Prominent activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has publicly appealed to Egon “Yele” Sowore, 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), to throw his weight behind the fledgling coalition of opposition groups aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Adeyanju made the appeal in a heartfelt message shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, in which he described Sowore as “different and unlike the thieving Nigerian politicians” — a stand-out figure among top-tier politicians.
Despite respecting Sowore’s independent principles, Adeyanju urged him to “forget what people will say,” warning that extraordinary political times require extraordinary unity .
In his message, Adeyanju emphasized that politics, unlike moral crusades or pure activism, operates as a “game of numbers,” suggesting that joining a broader alliance would be the most realistic pathway to securing electoral victory .
He reassured Sowore that such a move would not tarnish his reputation but rather earn him “the permanent respect and admiration of all Nigerians,” for putting national interest above ideological purity .
Deji Adeyanju’s appeal follows the formal emergence of a coalition of opposition parties led by figures such as former PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other prominent politicians, who have recently pledged mutual support against President Tinubu’s APC government .
While some critics have suggested that coalition politics could dilute Sowore’s activist brand, Adeyanju urged him to look beyond skepticism.
He reasoned that even within institutionalized bodies like churches, imperfect individuals exist — a metaphor to reinforce that ideals must sometimes bend for the greater good .
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Sources familiar with the budding coalition say that talks are underway among several parties, but Sowore’s involvement could significantly broaden its grassroots credibility.
His track record as a fearless human rights crusader and anti-establishment voice could galvanize disillusioned voters.
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