Activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has explained why he turned down an invitation to attend an opposition summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, saying the country needs a genuine break from old political habits rather than a regrouping of familiar figures.
In a post on X on Sunday, Sowore said he declined the invitation because he does not believe the gathering represents real change. According to him, many of the participants are former political actors who, in his view, contributed to Nigeria’s current challenges.
He described the summit as an attempt to repackage the same leadership class that Nigerians have known for years, arguing that the country cannot move forward if it keeps recycling the same set of politicians under different banners.
Sowore also made it clear that his party, the African Action Congress, would not be part of any political arrangement he considers deceptive or symbolic.
He insisted that his focus remains on building what he called a people-driven movement rooted in accountability, transparency, and real structural change, rather than political compromise.
According to him, Nigeria does not need a reshuffling of the same political players but a complete shift away from the system that has existed for decades.
The summit in question, held at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, brought together several prominent political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Seyi Makinde, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Organisers said the meeting was aimed at strengthening unity among opposition parties and building a coordinated front ahead of future elections, as well as addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
However, Sowore’s rejection adds another layer to the ongoing debate within the opposition about whether unity efforts represent real reform or political recycling.
