Activist or Opportunist? Protest Group Accuses Omoyele Sowore of Deceitful Practices During Abuja Demonstration

 

A group of demonstrators under the banner of the Cross Section Group took to the streets of Abuja this week, staging a protest march from the Federal Secretariat to the National Assembly complex. The rally, which drew public attention and stirred political discourse, was organized to call out the controversial figure and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore. The protesters accused him of being a “fake activist,” a “political manipulator,” and a “serial blackmailer,” claiming he has long misled the Nigerian public with a false image of patriotism.

Carrying placards with inscriptions like “Activism is not Blackmail,” “Sowore, Enough of Your Games,” and “Nigeria Deserves Honest Advocates,” the demonstrators marched through the central district of the capital, chanting slogans that echoed their grievances. They were vocal about what they described as Sowore’s continued exploitation of the activist space for personal and political gain.

According to members of the Cross Section Group, Sowore has consistently misrepresented himself as a champion of the common man, while allegedly engaging in underhanded tactics designed to tarnish the images of public figures and institutions that do not align with his agenda. The protesters accused him of monetizing activism, claiming he uses platforms like his online news outlet not to advocate for the people, but to coerce individuals and promote specific narratives that benefit his political interests.

Speaking to reporters during the protest, a representative of the group, Comrade Femi Okoye, stated: “We are here today to expose the truth behind the mask. Mr. Sowore is no longer the voice of the people. He has become a political tool—a mercenary activist—whose tactics now border on psychological warfare against public institutions and innocent individuals.”

The group made reference to recent instances where Sowore was accused of peddling misinformation, publishing unverified reports, and launching targeted smear campaigns against both politicians and civil society actors. While Sowore remains an influential voice in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially among the youth and human rights communities, the protesters insisted that his credibility has eroded due to what they termed “a repeated pattern of self-serving behavior.”

Protesters urged the Nigerian public to become more discerning in evaluating those who claim to be fighting for justice. “Activism should be grounded in integrity and selflessness,” another protester, Aisha Musa, remarked. “But what we’ve seen is someone who leverages public sympathy and his media platform to destabilize and manipulate. We cannot continue to mistake ambition for advocacy.”

Though Sowore has been a recurring figure in national conversations around democracy, civil rights, and governance reform, his confrontational style and history of legal entanglements with the government have long divided opinion. While some view him as a bold reformer unwilling to be silenced by state pressure, others—like the protesters in Abuja—believe his actions are increasingly erratic and politically motivated.

Security operatives monitored the protest closely, ensuring it remained peaceful throughout its duration. No incidents of violence or disorder were reported. However, the atmosphere surrounding the protest was charged, with some passersby showing support for the cause while others questioned the motivation behind the demonstration.

Observers noted that this latest protest is part of a growing trend where civil society is now turning inward, critiquing not only the political establishment but also those within the activist and advocacy space. It underscores the broader conversation about authenticity in activism and the fine line between political engagement and opportunism.

Attempts to reach Mr. Sowore for a comment on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. He has not made any official statement responding to the protest or the claims made against him.

The protest marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about leadership, representation, and accountability within Nigeria’s activist community. As the nation grapples with political transformation and civic reawakening, the question looms larger than ever: who truly speaks for the people, and at what cost?