“The 2027 Election Results Are Already Written, Democracy Is Dead” — Sowore

Omoyele Sowore, activist and prominent opposition figure, has declared that democracy in Nigeria is effectively dead, alleging that the outcome of the 2027 elections is already predetermined. In a wide-ranging interview, Sowore criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, dismissed the credibility of upcoming elections, and rejected alliances with traditional opposition parties.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current political state ahead of Democracy Day, Sowore stated emphatically that there is nothing worth celebrating. “Nigerians made a grave mistake voting Bola Tinubu into office,” he said. “When Tinubu is done with this country, people will be begging to return to Buhari’s era. He has done irreparable damage—economically, socially, politically. Buhari killed Nigeria in eight years; Tinubu, in just two years, is burying it.”

Sowore painted a bleak picture of the current democratic climate, arguing that many Nigerians have lost faith in the system altogether. “What we have now is a shambolic democracy,” he said, claiming that basic democratic promises like free speech and fair elections have collapsed under successive governments. He criticized public nostalgia for military regimes, noting that such sentiments reflect growing frustration rather than a desire for dictatorship.

Responding to a proposed bill in the House of Representatives to make voting compulsory, Sowore dismissed the move as a desperate attempt to manufacture legitimacy. “If you have to use threats to force people to vote, then democracy is dead. You cannot force participation in a system people no longer believe in,” he said, warning that such legislation is unenforceable and politically hollow.

He also rejected criticisms that label him too radical. “I don’t think I’m radical enough,” he said, insisting that real change historically has come from those unwilling to compromise on their convictions. He argued that the suffering majority understands and supports his position more than the vocal critics online.

On the state of his *Revolution Now* movement, Sowore insisted the struggle is far from over. “Revolutions take time,” he explained. “You don’t judge a revolution by how loud it is but by how persistent the message is.” He claimed the demand for systemic change has grown since 2019, marking what he sees as progress.

Discussing his campaign against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Sowore said it has already yielded tangible results, such as the exit of over 1,000 illegally retained senior officers and long-overdue promotions. But he emphasized that the ultimate goal remains the resignation of the IGP, whom he accused of overstaying his mandate.

Sowore offered a damning assessment of Nigeria’s opposition parties, claiming that most are not ideologically distinct from the ruling class. “What you call opposition isn’t opposition. They’re just political mercenaries,” he said, arguing that most defections and coalitions are driven by transactional interests rather than genuine service to the people.

Asked whether he intends to run in 2027, Sowore reaffirmed his lifelong activism. “I’ve never stopped running—whether it’s a campaign, protest, or court battle,” he said. However, he was blunt in his assessment of the electoral system, claiming that “the 2027 results are already written.” For him, rebellion against the system—not participation in a flawed election—is the only viable path forward.

Sowore dismissed the notion of forming political alliances with groups like the Labour Party or Peter Obi, insisting that his real alliance lies with the millions of Nigerians who no longer vote. “They are the real majority,” he said, adding that coalitions built solely to chase power are meaningless.

He also had little patience for questions about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. “Atiku is a man whose time has passed. He’s only interested in being President,” Sowore said.

In response to those who argue that Tinubu is laying foundations for future growth, Sowore was unequivocal: “They are being deceived. Removing fuel subsidy, floating the naira—none of it benefits ordinary people. Prices are rising. This isn’t the hard road to prosperity; it’s the road to destruction.”