Sowore: Amaechi Wouldn’t Have Become Governor Without My Democracy Fight

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, would not have attained those positions without his contribution to Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.

According to Ireporter Online, Sowore made the statement on Tuesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, while discussing his recent confrontation with Amaechi at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Amaechi, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, had engaged Sowore in a heated exchange during the political session of the conference and told him to “close his mouth” while politicians were speaking.

Reacting to the incident, Sowore argued that his activism and involvement in the struggle for democratic governance helped create the political environment that enabled individuals such as Amaechi to rise to prominent public positions.

The AAC presidential candidate maintained that if Nigeria had remained under military rule, Amaechi would not have become governor of Rivers State or later served as a minister.

Sowore also disclosed that he contacted Amaechi after the NBA event and demanded an apology over the confrontation.

He explained that his involvement in politics was primarily motivated by his desire to promote democracy, good governance and accountability rather than personal ambitions.

According to Sowore, Nigerians enter public life for different reasons based on their experiences, convictions and personal aspirations. He said his own motivation had always been the pursuit of democratic governance and better leadership for the country.

The comments come amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Sowore and Amaechi now positioned on different political platforms.