Sowore Explodes: ‘No True Democracy In Nigeria, Yet We’re Busy Sharing Awards

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has asserted that Nigeria has only shifted from military dictatorship to civilian governance and is yet to attain genuine democracy.

In an ARISE Television interview, Sowore criticized the government’s decision to confer national honours during the June 12 commemoration, stating that the democratic struggle is ongoing and far from over. He declined any national recognition, emphasizing that his activism is rooted in the pursuit of true freedom, not accolades.

Omoyele Sowore has blasted Nigeria’s democracy as incomplete, saying the country merely swapped khaki for agbada without embracing true democratic values. Speaking on ARISE TV, he slammed the national honours awarded by President Tinubu, calling them empty and politically driven. “We haven’t achieved democracy; we’ve only changed uniforms,” Sowore declared, vowing never to accept any award from a system he’s still fighting to fix.

During a recent appearance on ARISE Television, activist Omoyele Sowore challenged the celebration of June 12, insisting Nigeria remains far from democratic. He described national honours as meaningless gestures in a country where the real fight for freedom continues. Recounting personal sacrifices—including expulsion, withheld credentials, and police harassment—Sowore reaffirmed that his mission is liberation, not recognition.

Omoyele Sowore isn’t buying into the democracy celebration fanfare. On ARISE TV, he questioned why Nigeria is handing out awards for a democracy it hasn’t truly achieved. From student activism to police brutality, Sowore says the real struggle is far from over. For him, democracy is about freedom, opportunity, and structural change—not plaques and ceremonies.

Sowore says Nigeria still doesn’t have real democracy. In a TV interview, he said the country only moved from military to civilian rule without real change. He criticized President Tinubu’s June 12 honours, calling them political. Sowore, who faced expulsion, withheld NYSC papers, and recent police harassment, said he fights for freedom, not awards. “Democracy hasn’t arrived yet—so what are we celebrating?” he asked.