Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as largely unproductive and calling for a radical shift in Nigeria’s political direction.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Wednesday, Sowore argued that such foreign trips do little to address Nigeria’s pressing economic and governance challenges, insisting that meaningful change must come from within.
He maintained that his political movement is committed to what he described as a “revolutionary” approach to opening up Nigeria’s democratic space, urging citizens to take an active role in reshaping the country’s future.
“Our position regarding the 2027 election is that we’ll force the democratic space open, whether they like it or not,” he said, adding that he could not align with political actors whose agenda, in his view, is to “loot and destroy” the country.
On the president’s UK visit, Sowore downplayed its economic significance, claiming that Nigerian entertainers often generate more revenue for the country through international performances than official state visits.
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“These visits are not more than excursions… they don’t bring anything to Nigeria that Nigeria cannot get,” he said.
He further argued that Nigeria possesses greater economic potential than it currently leverages, stressing that a stable and well-governed environment would naturally attract foreign investors without the need for high-profile diplomatic outreach.
Sowore also criticised what he described as a dependency mindset in international relations, suggesting that Nigeria should focus on building internal capacity rather than seeking validation or investment abroad.
His remarks have sparked conversations about the value of state visits, the role of diplomacy in economic growth, and the broader direction of Nigeria’s political and economic policies as the country looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.