Sowore Alleges Plot to Convict Him Over 2027 Presidential Ambition Amid DSS Trial

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused the Federal High Court of attempting to secure his conviction to block him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Sowore made the allegation on Friday shortly after proceedings in his ongoing defamation case involving President Bola Tinubu and the Department of State Services, DSS.

Speaking with journalists outside the courtroom, the African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate claimed the trial was politically motivated and aimed at ending his future political ambitions.

“They want to convict me at all costs, so that I will be disqualified from contesting the 2027 election. That’s what it’s about,” Sowore said.

The activist argued that a criminal conviction would automatically prevent him from seeking elective office in Nigeria, insisting that the legal battle goes beyond the charges filed against him.

Sowore also raised concerns about the conduct of proceedings in court, alleging that the environment no longer guarantees fairness or justice.

According to him, confidence in the judicial process was further shaken after the trial judge reportedly ordered one of his lawyers to kneel during proceedings.

“You cannot get justice in a court where your counsel is ordered to kneel down,” he said while criticizing the handling of the case.

The activist is currently facing defamation-related charges reportedly filed by the DSS over comments linked to President Tinubu. The matter has continued to attract political attention because of Sowore’s outspoken criticism of the current administration and his repeated presidential ambitions under the AAC platform.

The Federal High Court has yet to publicly respond to the allegations made by Sowore following Friday’s proceedings.