Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and activist, has launched a scathing attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, calling him “the devil’s deputy” in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). Sowore’s outburst came after Obasanjo publicly endorsed a potential Peter Obi‑Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 election, a move that has stirred heated debate across Nigeria’s political landscape.
In his remarks, Sowore accused Obasanjo of lacking credibility to comment on electoral integrity, citing the former president’s own record of overseeing what many describe as “the most fraudulent elections” during his eight-year tenure (2003 and 2007). He alleged that Obasanjo’s administration “cooked figures” and that the 2007 election, which produced Umaru Yar’Adua, was widely condemned even by its beneficiaries as “flawed.” Sowore further claimed that Obasanjo’s recent open letters, demanding the cancellation of disputed results, are hypocritical, given his past role in manipulating electoral outcomes.
The activist also hinted at a broader political narrative, suggesting that Obasanjo’s influence over opposition figures like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso is part of a larger strategy to shape the 2027 race. According to reports, Obasanjo has been actively connecting Obi with northern power brokers and has “blessed” Obi’s defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging him to team up with Kwankwaso for a joint ticket. Sowore’s colorful metaphor—“if the devil had a deputy, it would be Obasanjo”—is meant to underscore his view that the former president’s political maneuvering is as dangerous as it is influential.
Sowore’s comments have added fuel to an already charged atmosphere, with supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso welcoming the alliance as a potential “strong partnership” while critics question Obasanjo’s motives and credibility. The debate continues as the opposition seeks to consolidate ahead of 2027, with Obasanjo’s role remaining a focal point of contention.
