Amaechi’s Governorship: Sowore Reveals How His Democracy Fight Paved The Way

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, would not have become governor or minister without his contribution to Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.

Sowore made the claim on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he reflected on his recent confrontation with Amaechi at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

During the event, Amaechi, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, reportedly told Sowore to “close his mouth” while politicians were addressing the gathering.

Reacting to the incident, Sowore argued that his activism and involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement contributed to creating an environment in which individuals such as Amaechi could rise to political positions.

According to him, without his efforts and those of others involved in the struggle for democracy, Amaechi would not have attained the offices of governor and minister.

Sowore further claimed that Amaechi benefited from what he described as his “extraordinary struggle for democracy” and said he subsequently asked the former governor to apologise over their exchange at the NBA conference.

The AAC presidential candidate maintained that his decision to participate in politics was motivated primarily by his long-standing commitment to democracy and good governance rather than personal ambition.

He noted that Nigerians who engage in public affairs do so for different reasons, shaped by their individual experiences, beliefs and aspirations.

Sowore said his own motivation had always been centred on promoting good governance and strengthening democracy in Nigeria.