Omoyele “Yele” Sowore is one of Nigeria’s most prominent human rights activists, journalists, political campaigners and opposition figures. The founder of Sahara Reporters has spent decades challenging military rule, corruption and what he describes as bad governance.
Sowore, who founded the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2018, has contested the Nigerian presidency twice and emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Here are 15 facts about Omoyele Sowore and his journey from student activism to presidential politics.
1. He was born in 1971
Omoyele Sowore was born on 16 February 1971 in Kiribo, in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State. He has spent more than three decades involved in activism, media and political advocacy.
2. He grew up in a large polygamous family
Sowore was raised in a polygamous family and is the first son among his father’s 17 children. His early life in Kiribo exposed him to the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians in rural communities.
3. He studied at the University of Lagos
Sowore studied Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos. His time at the institution became a major turning point in his life, as he became deeply involved in student activism and political struggles.
4. He was a University of Lagos Students’ Union president
Between 1992 and 1994, Sowore served as President of the University of Lagos Students’ Union Government. During his tenure, he was involved in campaigns against cultism, corruption and military rule.
5. His activism began during Nigeria’s military era
Sowore became involved in anti-military activism as a student. His activities placed him in confrontation with the authorities and helped establish his reputation as an outspoken pro-democracy campaigner.
6. He holds a master’s degree from Columbia University
After his studies at the University of Lagos, Sowore moved to the United States, where he obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University.
7. He founded Sahara Reporters
Sowore founded Sahara Reporters in 2006, creating an online platform that became known for investigative and accountability-focused reporting on Nigerian politics and public officials.
8. He became a prominent figure in digital journalism
Through Sahara Reporters, Sowore became one of the early Nigerian media entrepreneurs to use the internet as a major platform for investigative reporting, citizen journalism and exposing alleged corruption.
9. He launched the RevolutionNow movement
In 2019, Sowore became the leading figure behind the #RevolutionNow protests, a movement that called for better governance, economic reforms and greater accountability. His activities led to his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).
10. He founded the African Action Congress
Sowore founded the African Action Congress in August 2018 as he transitioned from activism and journalism into electoral politics. The party subsequently adopted him as its presidential candidate for the 2019 election.
11. He first contested the presidency in 2019
Sowore contested the 2019 Nigerian presidential election on the platform of the African Action Congress. INEC’s final list of presidential candidates for the election identified him as the AAC candidate.
12. He contested the presidency again in 2023
Sowore returned to the presidential race in the 2023 general election, again representing the African Action Congress. He is now preparing for his third consecutive presidential contest under the party.
13. He has faced multiple arrests and court cases
Sowore’s activism and political activities have repeatedly brought him into conflict with Nigerian authorities. He was arrested in 2019 over his planned RevolutionNow protests and has faced subsequent legal battles. In June 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja revoked his bail and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for proceedings in a cybercrime case. He was subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
14. He has taught African history in the United States
Sowore has also worked in academia. He has been associated with teaching Modern African History at the City University of New York (CUNY), alongside his activities in journalism and political activism.
15. He is the AAC presidential candidate for the 2027 election
Sowore emerged as the African Action Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 general election after the party’s presidential primary in Abuja in May 2026. The contest will mark his third consecutive presidential run under the AAC.
His 2027 campaign comes as he continues to face legal proceedings. In August 2026, the DSS directed its counsel to seek an adjournment of his ongoing case until after the 2027 presidential election, with the stated aim of allowing him to participate fully in the electioneering process.
From student union activism at the University of Lagos to founding one of Nigeria’s most recognisable online news platforms and eventually becoming a three-time presidential candidate, Sowore’s political journey has been defined by activism, confrontation with successive governments and a sustained campaign for political change.
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