Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has said that any politician, including Peter Obi who cannot fight for their electoral mandate does not deserve to become president. This is in reference to Peter Obi having won the 2023 presidential election under Labour Party but was denied the presidential seat.
Sowore made the statement during an interactive session with young Nigerian content creators/creatives where he addressed questions on elections, protests and the future of politics in the country.
While responding to a question about the controversy surrounding the 2023 presidential election and the issue of defending votes, Sowore said leadership requires the courage to stand firmly behind one’s mandate.
According to him, anyone who claims to have won an election must be prepared to fight politically and publicly to protect that victory.
“If you can’t fight for something, how can you claim you won it?” Sowore asked. “Anybody who is not willing to die for his mandate is not worth voting for, even if it is for class captain.”
The activist said political power is rarely handed over easily and that leaders must be willing to make sacrifices to secure and defend their mandates.
His comments came after a young creative from the audience suggested that many supporters of Peter Obi were ready to protest after the 2023 election but lacked leadership to coordinate such action.
Responding to the claim, Sowore argued that political leaders must be ready to lead their supporters during moments of crisis.
He said people cannot be expected to risk their lives defending an election result if the candidate they voted for is not willing to take the lead.
Sowore referenced the struggle following the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late businessman and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
According to him, many activists and students protested at the time because Abiola himself was willing to stand firmly behind his mandate.
“The reason people followed Abiola was because he was ready to die for his mandate,” Sowore said.
The activist, who was also a candidate in the 2023 presidential election under the African Action Congress, maintained that elections alone cannot bring about change in Nigeria if citizens are not ready to challenge the system.
He argued that Nigeria’s political structure is heavily stacked against ordinary citizens and that meaningful change would require strong political courage from both leaders and voters.
Sowore also criticised what he described as the recycling of political elites in Nigeria, saying the same individuals who have governed the country for years continue to dominate the political space.
According to him, many young Nigerians complain about poor governance but are unwilling to actively pursue leadership positions or challenge the political system.
He called on citizens, especially young people, to develop the ambition to take over leadership rather than relying on politicians who, in his view, have repeatedly failed the country.
The activist further stated that his participation in elections is not only about winning but also about exposing weaknesses in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Sowore said his goal is to help Nigerians understand the flaws in the electoral system so that they can demand reforms and push for a more transparent political structure.
His remarks have generated debate among Nigerians, particularly supporters of Peter Obi, who remain convinced that their candidate won the 2023 presidential election but was denied victory.
While some Nigerians agree with Sowore’s argument that political leaders must be willing to defend their mandates, others believe change should continue to be pursued through legal and democratic means.
The comments highlight ongoing political tensions and debates over the future of Nigeria’s democracy as the country gradually moves toward another election cycle.
