Human rights activist and founder of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has once again shed light on why successive Nigerian governments, political figures, and powerful interests continue to target him.
Speaking on Diaspora Dialogues held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with the theme “Why Are They After Sowore?”, the activist narrated his lifelong struggles against oppression, corruption, and authoritarianism in Nigeria.
Anchored by Prof. Farooq Kperogi, Prof. Moses Ochonu and Dr. Osmund Agbo, the dialogue explored Sowore’s turbulent activism journey, from his student union days at the University of Lagos to his present battles with the Nigerian state.
Sowore recounted how his activism began in childhood, challenging authority even when his father, who was also his teacher, punished him unjustly.
His resistance matured during the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, where he became a prominent voice against military dictatorship.
He explained that governments have always viewed him as an “enemy of the state”, no matter who is in power.
According to him, every regime feels compelled to neutralize him because he exposes corruption, mobilizes citizens, and gives voice to the oppressed.
“Once you begin to challenge authority in Nigeria, you become a permanent target. I have been beaten, jailed, tortured, and blackmailed. My so-called crime has become historical, and I may live with it for the rest of my life,” Sowore declared.
He pointed to both state actors (such as the police, DSS, and political leaders) and non-state actors (paid trolls, smear campaigners, and thugs) as those deployed to discredit or harm him. From fabricated lawsuits to social media harassment, Sowore noted that these tactics are designed to silence him and prevent him from repeating with current leaders the same scrutiny he gave to their predecessors.
Reflecting on his sacrifices, Sowore revealed how his activism has taken a personal toll. His mother suffered a stroke after one of his arrests, his brother was killed and his family has faced constant harassment.
Despite this, he said he remains undeterred: “I know this is a thankless job. People may not appreciate you, but somebody has to do it. If activists give up, Nigeria will become a Jurassic Park where leaders act without consequence. That’s why I keep going.”
He emphasized that while many Nigerians fail to recognize his sacrifices, he finds strength in “little victories”—such as securing the release of forgotten detainees, forcing promotions for policemen, and challenging impunity through Sahara Reporters’ investigative journalism.
The activist admitted that his resilience is sometimes mistaken for recklessness or a “death wish,” but he insisted that his struggles are driven by conviction and the belief that justice must prevail.
The session ended with Sowore affirming that his fight is not about personal gain but about building a Nigeria where ordinary citizens are protected from abuse of power.
“They want to break me, but they can’t. My job is to stand up to oppression, and I’ll keep doing it. If I stop, they win, and Nigeria loses.”
