The African Action Congress (AAC) has selected human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore as its presidential candidate. Sowore pledged to overhaul Nigeria's political and economic system through what he called a revolutionary people-driven agenda.
Presidential Primary Event
Speaking at the AAC presidential primary election in Abuja on Tuesday, Sowore declared that the party remains Nigeria's "only genuine opposition" and the country's sole registered socialist party committed to dismantling corruption, inequality, and elite domination. He emphasized that the AAC is not interested in participating in a failed political order but is determined to fundamentally transform the nation's governance structure.
"We are not here to have a seat at the table. We are here to shatter the table from which Nigerians have long been subjected to evil neo-colonial policies designed to keep us as second-class humans," he said.
Critique of Past Administrations
Sowore accused successive administrations of implementing economic policies dictated by international financial institutions while millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. He linked the country's worsening insecurity directly to economic inequality and the mass exclusion of young people from opportunities.
"When a few people take everything and leave millions of energetic young people without jobs, hope, or a future, they become easy recruits for forces of destruction," he stated.
Proposed Economic Models
The AAC candidate vowed that an AAC-led government would dismantle monopolies, nationalize strategic sectors of the economy, and prosecute corrupt public officials. A major highlight was the unveiling of four economic models to replace Nigeria's "failed Black Economy."
- Orange Economy: Focuses on youth empowerment through technology, sports, entertainment, arts, culture, and digital innovation.
- Purple Economy: Designed to promote women's economic inclusion through greater access to finance, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and land ownership.
- Blue Economy: Harnesses Nigeria's waterways and aquatic resources for transportation, clean energy, industrialization, and environmental sustainability.
- Green Economy: Prioritizes renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-conscious industrial development.
"Today, we declare an end to the failed Black Economy, the corrupt economic order built on greed, exploitation, environmental destruction, insecurity, and endless theft of public wealth," he declared.
Nationwide State of Resistance
Sowore also announced that the AAC and the #RevolutionNow movement would stage a "Nationwide State of Resistance" on August 5 against corruption, oppression, and economic hardship. "The struggle continues. Victory is certain," he said, as supporters responded with chants of "Take It Back! Action!"
