I would have sued Tinubu if given award – Sowore

DDM News

Omoyele Sowore has declared that he would have sued President Bola Tinubu if his name had appeared on the 2025 Democracy Day National Honours list.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Sowore’s comment came shortly after the Nigerian government unveiled the names of 102 honourees for the national award.

The list, released on Thursday, includes individuals, both living and deceased, who have contributed to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Some Nigerians on social media have argued that figures like Sowore deserved recognition for their long-standing activism.

But Sowore made it clear that he would never accept such an award from Tinubu’s administration.

He stated that any inclusion of his name would not only be rejected but would also prompt legal action for defamation.

“If I were mistakenly included by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his ‘National Award’ list,” Sowore wrote, “I would not only reject and denounce the award but also take definitive legal action for defamation.”

The activist has long been a vocal critic of the Tinubu-led government and the broader political establishment.

He has consistently accused the current administration of undermining democracy and enabling corruption.

His remarks suggest he views any recognition from Tinubu as an insult to his struggle for justice and accountability.

Sowore has a history of rejecting government gestures he perceives as hypocritical or politically motivated.

He was detained for months by the Department of State Services (DSS) under the Buhari administration over the #RevolutionNow protests.

Despite repeated calls from international organizations for his release, he was denied bail and placed under strict conditions.

Many of his supporters view him as a symbol of resistance against authoritarian governance in Nigeria.

This latest declaration reinforces his image as an uncompromising voice in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Observers note that Sowore’s outburst also reflects a broader disenchantment with state honours in Nigeria.

Over the years, critics have argued that national awards are often politicized, serving as a tool for rewarding loyalty rather than genuine service.

Sowore’s hypothetical rejection of the award throws a spotlight on the integrity of the process and raises questions about the criteria used for selection.

This is not the first time a public figure has rebuffed national honours due to concerns over credibility or personal convictions.

However, threatening legal action for mere inclusion is a rare and bold stance in Nigerian politics.

The presidency has not issued any official response to Sowore’s remarks as of the time of this report.

Meanwhile, reactions on social media have been mixed, with some praising Sowore’s stand while others see it as unnecessary provocation.

Analysts believe the activist’s statement could deepen his friction with the Tinubu administration and attract renewed attention from security agencies.

Still, Sowore appears unfazed by potential consequences and remains committed to his advocacy.

He has continued to criticize policies of the current government, especially on issues related to human rights, press freedom, and social justice.

In his view, the fight for democracy in Nigeria must be pursued with sincerity and without compromise.

As Nigeria marked Democracy Day, Sowore’s remarks served as a reminder of ongoing struggles for accountability and reform.

His comments underscore the divide between the political elite and the activist community in the country.

With his post going viral, public discourse about the value and legitimacy of state-sponsored awards has been reignited.

For now, Sowore remains outside the circle of government-sanctioned recognition, and he insists he prefers it that way.

DDM will continue monitoring this developing story and provide updates as new information emerges.

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