My Candidacy Is Difficult To Understand — Sowore Replies Donald Duke

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election after Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate Donald Duke expressed uncertainty over whether the activist was genuinely running for office.

Duke, a former Cross River State governor, described Sowore as a “voice of conscience” during an interview, saying the AAC candidate often speaks on issues that other politicians may avoid because of political civility. He also suggested that Sowore did not behave like someone seeking the presidency.

Responding to the remarks, Sowore thanked Duke for describing him as a voice of conscience but said there should be no uncertainty about his presidential ambition. He stated that he is contesting the 2027 election and pointed to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list of presidential candidates, which identifies him as the AAC candidate and Duke as the PRP candidate.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Sowore argued that what makes his candidacy difficult for some members of the political establishment to understand is what he described as his different approach to seeking public office. He said he was not pursuing the presidency for privileges, appointments or access to public resources.

Sowore said the AAC’s objective was to fundamentally change Nigeria’s political system and pursue what he described as equal rights, justice, living wages, quality education, healthcare, security, electricity and housing.

He also rejected the idea of joining an opposition coalition whose primary objective, in his view, would be to replace President Bola Tinubu with another politician from the established political order. Sowore maintained that his party’s opposition was broader than any individual or administration and was focused on changing what he described as longstanding political and governance practices.

The AAC candidate concluded by acknowledging Duke’s description of him as a “voice of conscience,” while insisting that his political position would also be represented on the ballot in 2027. He further referenced a recent presidential debate in Port Harcourt, saying Duke’s late arrival had prevented him from addressing the issue directly.