The African Action Congress’ Omoyele Sowore launched his campaign for president on Saturday in what was referred to as the “People’s Assembly” in the historic city of Kano.
The Kano Anti-Corruption Institute, located in the center of the city, hosted the event, and party supporters filled the hall to capacity.
Garba Magashi, Sowore’s running mate for president, and Sani Yakasai, the party’s candidate for governor, were present as he introduced the party’s platform.
Later, he took part in a campaign to eradicate mosquitoes in Kano and made an appearance at a wrestling match called Dembe.
He continued, saying it was unacceptable, that Nigeria had almost been overrun by terrorists while the All Progressives Congress government was in power.
“Today, our country is teetering on the brink of collapse. The economy is in shambles with the mix of high unemployment, low wages, crippling inflation, and meager social investments driving our people further into poverty. Over 20 million Nigerian children are out of school, public education at all levels is comatose, literal darkness pervades the country as investment in critical infrastructure, especially energy, remains low, and mired in corruption.
“Worsening insecurity has further reduced the quality of life for ordinary Nigerians. Terrorists, bandits, and a coterie of other criminals now run portions of the country, terrorising our people, and even threatening to overrun Abuja, our political capital. The APC government has essentially abdicated it’s primary responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of the Nigerian people. Under it’s watch, the Nigerian life is now nasty, brutish, and short. This is unacceptable,” the statement said.
“As we have repeatedly stated, the AAC is the only mass-based party in the country today with structures and programmes inspired by the struggles and aspirations of our people. Therefore, our commitment to radically transforming the country in a way that guarantees their welfare and security is unflinching.
“To be clear, the Sowore/Magashi ticket has the most carefully drawn up revolutionary programmes intended to decisively pull the country from the brink of collapse and anarchy, and administer it for the security and prosperity of our people,” the statement added.