"Sowore Declares: 'I Won't Play Chess with Nigerians' Destiny' as He Critiques Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai Coalition"

 

In a bold statement that underscores his commitment to the grassroots, Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has publicly rejected the proposed coalition among former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. Sowore's remarks came during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today, where he expressed his discontent with the political maneuvering aimed at unseating incumbent President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 election.

Sowore’s comments were spurred by Atiku's announcement during a recent press conference hosted by the Concerned Leaders and Political Stakeholders in Nigeria, where plans for the coalition were laid out. Dismissing the idea, Sowore emphasized that he would not ally himself with “those playing chess with the destiny of Nigerians.” He made it clear that his political focus remains steadfastly on building a movement that represents the oppressed, rather than uniting with politicians he believes have contributed to Nigeria's ongoing challenges.

"I’m not joining any coalition," Sowore asserted. "The coalition they assembled in 2013 and 2015 ultimately brought us the APC regime. Forming another coalition in 2025 without genuine reflection is just repeating past mistakes." He underscored the importance of constructing a coalition that genuinely represents the oppressed citizens of Nigeria, instead of reassembling the same elite who have historically mishandled the nation's governance.

Sowore's stance reflects a growing sentiment among many Nigerians who are seeking a break from the traditional political patterns that often prioritize power struggles over the needs and aspirations of the populace. He concluded by firmly stating, "You can never see me in their coalition. I will never be part of it. I’m not joining the SDP; I’m not part of those playing chess with the destiny of Nigerians."