Sowore, Ajibola Basiru Clash Over Democracy Ahead of 2027
By Akin Alade
The political atmosphere ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections has taken a dramatic turn following a heated exchange between human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, raising fresh questions about political loyalty, democratic principles and the treatment of opposition voices.
The controversy began after Basiru, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, described Sowore as a “skit maker” and comedian over the AAC’s request to use the Presidential Villa in Abuja for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council. The opposition party had also requested logistical support for the proposed November 11, 2026 event, arguing that democratic institutions should promote fairness and equal treatment among political parties.
However, Sowore rejected the APC chieftain’s characterisation of his political activities, insisting that the struggle for democracy, justice and human dignity should never be reduced to entertainment. In a strongly worded response on his social media platform, he questioned what he considered Basiru’s departure from the democratic ideals they once defended together during Nigeria’s military era.
Revisiting their political history, Sowore shared a photograph reportedly taken in 1998 when both men participated in pro-democracy activities under the Congress of Progressive Youths. He recalled their involvement in the struggle against military dictatorship and claimed that he helped create an enabling environment for Basiru and another student activist, Kunle Adegoke, to pursue their legal education at the University of Lagos after difficulties arising from student activism.
The disagreement also exposed contrasting views about political credibility and electoral relevance. Basiru had challenged Sowore to demonstrate his political strength by winning a state legislative seat before seeking national recognition, while questioning the AAC’s performance in the 2023 presidential election. Sowore, on the other hand, maintained that electoral defeat should not invalidate a politician’s democratic convictions or commitment to challenging those in power.
In a further development, Basiru disputed Sowore’s account of his university admission, insisting that he secured admission to study law at the University of Lagos through his academic performance rather than assistance from the activist. The conflicting accounts have added another dimension to the controversy, transforming what began as a disagreement over a campaign venue into a wider debate about political history, personal credibility and the meaning of democratic activism.
Beyond the personal confrontation, the exchange highlights a broader issue confronting Nigeria’s political system ahead of 2027: whether opposition parties should enjoy equal access to public institutions regardless of their electoral strength. As political alignments intensify, the Sowore–Basiru disagreement underscores the growing tension between former pro-democracy allies now operating on opposite sides of the country’s political divide.
