Who is Omoyele Sowore Really Working For? A Critical Look at His Relentless Attacks on Peter Obi -By Jeff Okoroafor

In Nigeria’s ever-chaotic political landscape, few figures are as polarizing as Omoyele Sowore, the activist-turned-politician and publisher of Sahara Reporters. Once celebrated as a fiery pro-democracy campaigner, Sowore’s recent political trajectory—particularly his unrelenting attacks on Labour Party’s Peter Obi—has raised serious questions about his motives and allegiances. Is Sowore truly an independent voice for change, or has he become a willing tool in a broader scheme to undermine Nigeria’s most popular opposition figure?

Sowore’s reputation was built on his anti-corruption stance and his role in exposing government malfeasance through Sahara Reporters. However, since his foray into partisan politics—first as a presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023—his rhetoric has taken a noticeably aggressive turn, especially against Peter Obi, the Labour Party flagbearer whose rise in the 2023 elections shook Nigeria’s political establishment.

Rather than focusing his critiques on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—the two parties responsible for Nigeria’s current economic and security crises—Sowore has reserved his most scathing attacks for Peter Obi, a man whose message of frugality, accountability, and economic prudence resonates deeply with millions of Nigerians, particularly the youth.

Sowore’s fixation on Peter Obi is puzzling. While constructive criticism is healthy in a democracy, Sowore’s approach often crosses into outright hostility, raising suspicions about his true intentions.

For instance, despite Peter Obi’s well-documented record of modest living and transparent governance as Anambra governor, Sowore frequently insinuates that Peter Obi is corrupt, without providing concrete evidence. Additionally, Sowore has repeatedly derided Peter Obi’s supporters as “brainwashed” and “cult-like,” a strange stance for a man who once prided himself on championing youth activism.

Moreover, while Sowore claims to advocate for radical economic transformation, he routinely dismisses Peter Obi’s pragmatic policy ideas without substantive counterarguments. Most tellingly, Sowore’s constant attacks on Peter Obi —while giving softer treatment to the APC and PDP—have led many to wonder if he is being tacitly encouraged by forces threatened by Peter Obi’s growing influence.

Political analysts have noted that Sowore’s relentless targeting of Peter Obi disproportionately benefits the ruling APC. By diverting attention from the failures of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and framing Peter Obi as the problem, Sowore inadvertently (or deliberately) aids the status quo.

This has led to speculation that Sowore may be acting as a spoiler, splitting the opposition vote to ensure that anti-APC sentiments remain divided. Others suggest a personal vendetta, arguing that Sowore resents Peter Obi’s rapid rise as the face of Nigeria’s progressive movement—a role Sowore once aspired to. There are also concerns, given Sahara Reporters’ history of selective reporting, that Sowore may be influenced by powerful interests seeking to weaken Peter Obi’s movement.

If Sowore truly wants systemic change, his energy would be better spent holding the ruling party accountable rather than tearing down the only opposition figure capable of challenging Nigeria’s entrenched political elite. His current trajectory risks reducing him from a once-respected activist to a mere attack dog for unseen benefactors.

Nigeria needs a united opposition to dismantle the APC’s failing policies. Sowore’s divisive tactics only serve to fracture that resistance. The question remains: Who is Omoyele Sowore really working for? Because it certainly doesn’t seem to be the Nigerian people.

Jeff Okoroafor is a social accountability advocate and a political commentator focused on governance, accountability, and social justice in West Africa.