Activist politician and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that former President Goodluck Jonathan once sent an emissary to the United Kingdom in an attempt to recruit him with an offer of financial support and a position within his government. Sowore disclosed this in a recent interview on ‘State of the Nation’ with LEADERSHIP TV, shedding light on a previously unknown interaction with the former president.
Sowore recounted the events, stating, “When Goodluck became president, he sent a man to come look for me in Breton with money, but I declined, telling him I cannot work with the people under his administration.” This revelation paints a picture of the tension between Sowore, a staunch critic of Nigeria’s political establishment, and Jonathan’s administration, which he felt was not aligned with his ideals.
The former AAC candidate explained that he had a close friend who was actively involved in challenging the political establishment during the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. This connection played a role in Sowore’s decision to maintain a stance of opposition to the status quo. Despite Jonathan’s efforts, Sowore’s loyalty to his principles and his friend’s political activism led him to reject the offer.
Although Jonathan’s outreach was an attempt to bring Sowore into his government, the activist politician emphasized that he had reservations about working with Jonathan’s administration. “I cannot work with the people under his administration,” Sowore added, highlighting his firm stance against aligning with the government despite any financial incentives.
Sowore’s rejection of the offer came at a time when he was building his reputation as a vocal critic of Nigeria’s political system. His activism, particularly in holding those in power accountable, was a key part of his political identity, and aligning with Jonathan’s government would have contradicted his core beliefs.
In his interview, Sowore suggested that Jonathan was one of the few politicians with whom he might have had some level of connection, but he remained resolute in his decision not to join forces with the administration. His stance reflects a broader narrative of political disillusionment among many Nigerians who believe that the country’s political elite has failed to address the needs of the people.
