African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has vowed to resist any attempt to deny him victory in the 2027 presidential election, declaring that Nigeria could be shut down if the outcome of a credible poll is manipulated.
Sowore made the declaration while speaking at a plenary session of the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where presidential contenders discussed how to protect electoral mandates.
The activist warned Nigerians against repeating what he described as the mistakes of the 2023 election, when some politicians allegedly won their mandates but failed to defend them.
He specifically referenced former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye, whom he described as his former friend, saying Melaye had previously raised concerns about how candidates would protect their votes.
Sowore said he would personally resist any attempt to deny him victory, even if doing so came at the ultimate cost.
«“I am standing here. If anybody takes a vote on an election I won, the person will not be president of Nigeria, I can assure you that. Even if it takes my life,” he vowed.»
He argued that electoral disputes should not routinely be left for lawyers and judges to determine, insisting that the winner should emerge transparently from the polling units.
«“We don’t want our elections to go to your courts again. We must determine the winner of the election on the day of the election,” Sowore said.»
He further warned that his supporters would not accept what they considered an unfair or non-credible election.
«“If we can’t get that, we shut down the country until we get the right leader who won an election,” he said.»
Sowore added: “Yes, we will win. No, we will not accede if it’s not fair and credible.”
Former Cross River State Governor and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, also rejected the idea of accepting an election result he considers unfair.
«“Why should I accept something that is wrong? If it’s not fair, I will not accept it,” Duke said.»
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, similarly said he would accept the outcome of a free and fair election but reject a flawed process.
«“Definitely, if it is free and fair, we will accept. If not, we will not accept,” Obi said.»
Former Rivers State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Rotimi Amaechi, meanwhile, called for candidates who appeal across ethnic lines, saying Nigeria needs national rather than tribal representation.
«“We are not Yoruba, we are not Igbo, we are not Hausa, we are Nigerian candidates,” Amaechi said.»
The comments underline the growing concerns among opposition politicians about electoral credibility and the handling of disputed results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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