"I've Been Running for President Before Peter Obi Was Discovered" ,Says Sowore

Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has articulated his reasons for refusing to form a coalition with Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.

Sowore, who has been a persistent figure in Nigerian politics, emphasized that he had been running for the presidency long before Peter Obi gained national recognition.

Sowore criticized Obi, stating, "Before you discovered Peter Obi, I was already running for President. All these shouts about Peter Obi… He just knows how to package.

Anyone can do it." He expressed his belief that Obi is not fundamentally different from other politicians whom he considers corrupt, arguing that Obi is merely more skilled at presentation.

The former AAC candidate underscored his commitment to political integrity by refusing to support any Nigerian leader who has previously held office and failed to perform effectively.

"If I join [form a coalition with] Peter Obi, I will be going against what I have always stood for," Sowore declared. He further explained his stance by referencing Obi's past role as the vice-presidential candidate to Atiku Abubakar in 2019, a partnership he also opposed due to his principles.