Former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised attempts by opposition politicians to rally behind the leadership of former Senate President David Mark, arguing that many of the figures being presented as alternatives have previously been part of Nigeria’s political problems.
Sowore made the remarks during an interview on Symfoni TV on Monday, April 20, 2026, while reacting to developments within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to him, Nigerians should not be asked to support politicians who had previously held positions of power but failed to deliver meaningful change: “But you want me to stand here and recommend the same people who destroyed Nigerian Airways to come back and take over power. You say, ‘Oh, it’s opposition. Just follow them.’”
Sowore specifically criticised David Mark, referencing comments attributed to him during his tenure as communications minister: “The guy who said to you, David Mark, that you don’t deserve telephone when he was communication minister. The guy who said you don’t deserve democracy during June 12.”
He also mentioned other political figures who previously served in government under late former President Muhammadu Buhari: “Or the guys who were with Buhari who were killing you last week, Malami and the rest of them, El-Rufai. Even though I don’t support the lawfare waged against them.”
Despite his criticism of those figures, Sowore said he does not support what he described as politically motivated legal actions against them. He argued that Nigeria should move away from relying on the same political class and instead encourage the emergence of new leaders: “They are the ones you want us to go back to when you have alternatives.”
Sowore also pointed to Nigeria’s large voter population, suggesting that greater participation could lead to political change: “93 million people registered to vote in this election. 93 million. Only 27% of that voted in the last election. 50 million people.”
He urged Nigerians to unite and pursue a new political direction rather than continuing to recycle familiar political figures: “Why can’t you all pull together? Go in a different direction. And retire all these people. Don’t let us hear about them again.”
The activist called for a generational shift in governance, encouraging voters to elect new leaders across all levels of government: “Put new hands in government. Elect new governors. Elect new House of Rep members. It’s every four years.”
Sowore concluded by urging Nigerians to support leaders who can represent the country confidently on the global stage: “Let a guy who can stand up and look in the eyes of the world and say we are Nigerians and we are proud of who we are. Let them lead your country….See More
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