Discover Omoyele Sowore’s inspiring journey from student activist to Sahara Reporters founder and presidential candidate. Learn about his fight for democracy, arrests, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Omoyele Yele Sowore, born 16 February 1971, is a Nigerian politician, human rights activist, citizen reporter, writer, lecturer and pro-democracy campaigner, known for founding the online news agency Sahara Reporters. His remarkable journey from a young student activist in Nigeria to becoming one of the country’s most recognized voices for democracy and human rights represents a powerful narrative of courage, conviction, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Sowore started Sahara Reporters in New York City in 2006 to fight against corrupt and wrong government practices. This groundbreaking platform revolutionized investigative journalism in Nigeria, providing a space for citizen journalism and fearless reporting on corruption and abuse of power. Sahara Reporters is supported by grants from the Ford Foundation and Omidyar Foundation, ensuring its editorial independence.
In August 2018, he founded the African Action Congress party and ran as its presidential candidate in the 2019 Nigerian general election. Sowore also ran for President in the 2023 Nigerian General elections, demonstrating his continued commitment to offering Nigerians an alternative political vision grounded in justice, transparency, and democratic reform.
His activism has come at a significant personal cost. On 3 August 2019, Omoyele Sowore was arrested by the Nigerian State Security Service (SSS), for alleged treason after calling for a protest tagged RevolutionNow. He was arrested again and assaulted during a protest in Abuja on 1 January 2021, and injured by a police officer during a protest in Abuja on 31 May 2021.
Yele Sowore is from Ese-Odo, Ondo State in South West Nigeria, from the Ijaw-Apoi ethnic group. His background in the Niger Delta region and his experiences growing up in rural Nigeria have profoundly influenced his understanding of the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians and fueled his passion for social justice and democratic reform.
Contents
- 1 Early Life & Background: Roots of Resilience
- 2 Educational Journey: From Village Boy to Ivy League Graduate
- 3 Student Activism: The Making of a Revolutionary
- 4 Sahara Reporters: Revolutionary Journalism
- 5 Political Career: Presidential Campaigns for Change
- 6 Arrests and Persecution: The Price of Activism
- 7 Career Timeline & Major Milestones
- 8 Personal Life: Family and Private Matters
- 9 Awards and Recognition: Honoring Courage
- 10 Legacy and Impact: Transforming Nigerian Democratic Discourse
- 11 Controversies and Challenges: Navigating Complex Waters
- 12 Conclusion: The Unfinished Revolution
- 13 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 13.1 1. What is Omoyele Sowore’s educational background?
- 13.2 2. When and why did Sowore found Sahara Reporters?
- 13.3 3. What happened during Sowore’s 2019 arrest?
- 13.4 4. How many times has Sowore run for president?
- 13.5 5. What awards has Omoyele Sowore received?
- 13.6 6. What is Sowore’s family background and current status?
Early Life & Background: Roots of Resilience
Birth and Family Origins
Omoyele Sowore was born on February 16, 1971, in Kiribo, a small village in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. He is from a small Yoruba-speaking tribe known as “Ijaw-Apoi,” a unique ethnic identity that bridges Yoruba and Ijaw cultures in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
Sowore was born in the Niger Delta region of the country where he was also raised in a polygamous home with sixteen children. He was the youngest of 18 children born to his parents, who were peasant farmers. This large family structure in rural Nigeria meant that young Omoyele learned early about collective responsibility and the importance of hard work.
His father was a local teacher and his mother a full-time housewife. Despite their modest means, his parents valued education and instilled in their children the importance of learning and self-improvement. This emphasis on education would prove crucial in shaping Sowore’s future trajectory.
Childhood Hardships and Early Responsibility
At age 12, he learned to ride a motorcycle so that he could go to the lake to go fish for food to feed his entire family every morning before going to school. This early responsibility demonstrates the challenging economic circumstances of his childhood and the resourcefulness required for survival in rural Nigeria.
At 12 he learnt how to ride a motorcycle (Suzuki 100 cc.) so that he could fish at the lake for the entire family before going to school every morning. This daily routine of providing food for his family before attending school taught him discipline, time management, and the value of contributing to collective wellbeing.
Formative Influences
Sowore’s early life was marked by a strong sense of curiosity and a desire to learn. Growing up in rural Nigeria during the 1970s and 1980s, a period of significant political turbulence including multiple military coups and economic challenges, shaped his awareness of governance issues and social injustice.
His experiences witnessing the struggles of ordinary Nigerians in the Niger Delta region, combined with his family’s modest circumstances, developed in him a deep empathy for the less privileged and a determination to fight against systems that perpetuated inequality and injustice.
The Niger Delta region’s unique challenges, including environmental degradation from oil exploration and political marginalization, provided early lessons about resource control, environmental justice, and the impact of government policies on local communities.
Educational Journey: From Village Boy to Ivy League Graduate
Secondary Education
He attended Community High School, Kiribo, Ondo State, where he completed his secondary education. He finished secondary school in 1985 at the age of 14, demonstrating exceptional academic ability and potential from an early age.
His early completion of secondary school at just 14 years old highlighted his intellectual capabilities and set the stage for what would become a remarkable educational journey despite numerous obstacles and interruptions caused by his activism.
University of Lagos: Education and Activism
Sowore was admitted into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 1989 to study Geography and Planning. His time at the university would prove transformative, not just academically but in developing his identity as an activist and advocate for student rights and democratic governance.
Sowore studied Geography and Planning at the University of Lagos, from 1989 to 1995, his academic program extended by additional two years, after he was expelled twice for political and student activism. His six-year undergraduate program, instead of the standard four years, resulted from his fearless activism against military rule and university corruption.
He served as the President of the University of Lagos Student Union Government between 1992 and 1994 during which time he was involved in anti-cultism and anti-corruption advocacy. His tenure as SUG President was marked by bold stands against cult activities on campus and systemic corruption, earning him both admirers and powerful enemies.
Graduate Education at Columbia University
After graduating from the University of Lagos and experiencing brutal attacks by cultists that forced him to leave Nigeria, Sowore holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, one of the prestigious Ivy League institutions in the United States.
He has a Masters’ degree in Public Administration from Columbia University in New York and graduated in May 2003. This advanced education provided him with theoretical frameworks for understanding governance, public policy, and administration that would later inform his activism and political campaigns.
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, New York, United States, has condemned the continued detention of its alumnus, Omoyele Sowore, demonstrating the international recognition and respect he has earned from academic institutions.
Teaching Career
He teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York and also the New York College of Technology where all the subjects relating to Africa, especially pre-colonial and post-colonial studies are being taught by him. This academic position has allowed him to share his knowledge and perspectives on African history and politics with new generations of students.
Apart from his journalistic work, Sowore has also lectured on Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post-Colonial African History at the School of Art, New York, contributing to academic discourse while maintaining his activist and journalistic work.
Student Activism: The Making of a Revolutionary
Early Protests and IMF Resistance
In 1989, he participated in student demonstrations protesting the conditions of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan of $120 million to be used for a Nigerian oil pipeline. Included among the conditions of the IMF loan, was a reduction in the number of universities in Nigeria from 28 to 5.
This early protest experience introduced Sowore to the power of collective action and the importance of resisting economic policies that threatened educational access for ordinary Nigerians. The IMF loan conditions highlighted the intersection of international finance, national sovereignty, and social justice.
The 1992 Protest and Police Violence
In 1992, Sowore led 5,100 students in protest against the Nigerian government. The protest resulted in police opening fire and killing seven protesters. Sowore was arrested and tortured, an experience that would have broken many young activists but instead strengthened his resolve.
This tragic event where police violence claimed the lives of seven students became a defining moment in Sowore’s activism. The brutality he witnessed and personally experienced reinforced his commitment to fighting against authoritarian governance and protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
June 12, 1993 Democracy Struggle
Omoyele was also involved in the demand for a democratic government taking over military rule in Nigeria on 12 June 1993. This resulted in several arrests, detentions and life-threatening treatment of protesters by government officials.
A journalist, Niyi Babade, in his yet to be published memoir, acknowledges Sowore’s stride in the 12 June struggle, describing how Sowore heroically protected him from hostile elements during protests and led students to MKO Abiola’s house during the pro-democracy demonstrations.
The June 12, 1993 crisis, where the military annulled what was considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, became a pivotal moment in Nigerian democratic struggle. Sowore’s active participation in protests demanding the revalidation of the election marked him as a committed democrat willing to risk personal safety for democratic principles.
Consequences of Activism
After his graduation, which took him longer than most of his mates because of the suspension which is often the lot of genuine student activists, he was posted to Adamawa State for his one-year compulsory National Youth Service at Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation.
On the day of his passing out parade, when other corps members were raring to go to their various homes, Sowore was arrested by the Abacha-led military junta. The arrest was in connection with his vociferous anti-government campaigns, which he took beyond the confines of the UNILAG campus to his place of national service.
He was put in solitary confinement, chained down for months at the Nigeria Air Force detention centre guardroom. He described his poor treatment, being locked up in a dark room without sunlight, an experience that could have deterred a lesser person but only strengthened his commitment to fighting injustice.
It took the intervention of a journalist — Stanley Yakubu of the Punch Newspaper, who wrote about Sowore’s detention in the northern edition of the paper — to get him released, demonstrating the power of media advocacy even under military dictatorship.
Sahara Reporters: Revolutionary Journalism
Founding and Mission
Sowore left Nigeria for the United States of America in 1999, after brutal attacks by cultists and continued government harassment made it unsafe for him to remain in Nigeria. His self-imposed exile would lead to the creation of one of Africa’s most influential investigative journalism platforms.
Sowore started Sahara Reporters in New York City in 2006 to fight against corrupt and wrong government practices, creating a platform that would revolutionize how Nigerians accessed information about government corruption and abuse of power.
In 2006, he founded Sahara Reporters, an investigative journalism platform that focuses on exposing corruption and abuse of power in Nigeria. The platform quickly became known for its fearless reporting and refusal to be intimidated by powerful political and business interests.
Operational Model and Independence
He is based in a seventh-floor office on a stretch of West 29th Street in Manhattan from where he runs his website. In a recent interview, he disclosed that he has ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ (impeccable sources) in Aso Rock Villa, which explains most of his exclusives.
Sahara Reporters is supported by grants from the Ford Foundation and Omidyar Foundation. As part of its policy, Sahara does not accept adverts and financial support from the Nigerian Government, ensuring complete editorial independence from government influence.
According to various online sources, Sahara Reporters is currently funded by a group of various multinational organizations. These organizations regularly pump a significant amount of money into the platform in a bid to assist it in its quest for investigative journalism.
Impact and Recognition
In December 2009, it drew worldwide attention by being the first news source to identify and publish the photo of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, known more commonly as the “Underwear Bomber,” demonstrating the platform’s capacity for breaking international news stories.
Since 2006, Sahara Reporters has published over 5,000 reports on corruption, human rights abuses, and political misconduct in Nigeria, establishing itself as a frontier news source for advocacy journalism and citizen reporting.
His platform, Sahara Reporters, has been supported by grants from the Ford Foundation and Omidyar Foundation for its fearless reporting, recognition that validates the platform’s important role in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigerian governance.
Political Career: Presidential Campaigns for Change
Entry into Electoral Politics
On 25 February 2018, Sowore announced his intention to run for presidency in the 2019 Nigerian general election, marking his transition from activist and journalist to electoral politician seeking direct mandate to implement his vision for Nigeria.
In August 2018, he founded a political party, the African Action Congress (AAC), for which he would run in 2019. The party was established to provide a platform for implementing his radical agenda for democratic reform and social justice.
2019 Presidential Campaign
On 6 October 2018, following successful primary elections at the AAC’s national convention, Omoyele Sowore emerged unchallenged as the Presidential Candidate for the party, beginning a campaign that would energize young Nigerians and present an alternative political vision.
After touring many states in Nigeria, visiting dignitaries such as the Emir of Kano and Wole Soyinka, Sowore embarked on a fundraising tour around the world including Australia, the United States of America and the UK, demonstrating his ability to mobilize diaspora support.
Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 15,191,847 votes to win while his main contender, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party got 11,264,977 votes to come second. Sowore came fifth with 33,953 votes, a result that disappointed supporters but demonstrated the challenges facing alternative candidates in Nigeria’s political system.
2023 Presidential Election
Sowore also contested the 2023 general election as the presidential candidate of his party (AAC) where he recorded 14,608 votes, an election he described as a “selection,” expressing his belief that the electoral process lacked integrity and fairness.
Although he did not win the election, Sowore’s candidacy helped to galvanize a new generation of Nigerian activists and politicians, providing a platform for discussing radical alternatives to the status quo and inspiring young Nigerians to engage politically.
Arrests and Persecution: The Price of Activism
The RevolutionNow Movement
In August 2019, Sowore was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for his involvement in the #RevolutionNow protests. He was detained for several months before being released on bail, demonstrating the government’s intolerance for peaceful protest and dissent.
On 3 August 2019, Omoyele Sowore was arrested by the Nigerian State Security Service (SSS), for alleged treason after calling for a protest tagged RevolutionNow. He was arrested just two days before the protests were set to begin, in a clear attempt to prevent the demonstrations from taking place.
Sowore was arrested by the DSS on 3 August 2019, ahead of a planned nationwide #RevolutionNow protest. The Federal Government, which later admitted to the arrest, was condemned by Wole Soyinka, Oby Ezekwesili and many other activists, reflecting widespread domestic and international concern.
Court Battles and Continued Detention
The court again set Sowore free on 5 December 2019, confirming that he had settled his bail terms. However, there was a wind of change the next day in court when DSS operatives invaded the premises to re-arrest him, in a dramatic scene that shocked observers and violated court orders.
He was finally released on 24 December 2019, after months of detention that drew international attention and condemnation. His detention became a symbol of the shrinking space for dissent and civil society activism under the Buhari administration.
On 8 December 2021, The Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to pay Omoyele Sowore, 2 million Naira over the unlawful seizure of his mobile phone in 2019 at the point of his arrest, a judicial recognition of rights violations.
Continued Harassment and Protests
He was arrested again and assaulted during a protest in Abuja on 1 January 2021, demonstrating the government’s continued intolerance for his activism and peaceful demonstrations against poor governance.
Sowore was injured by a police officer during a protest in Abuja on 31 May 2021, highlighting the physical dangers faced by activists in Nigeria and the government’s willingness to use force against peaceful protesters.
In March 2022, it was reported that Omoyele Sowore, sued the Nigeria Police Force and three others at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over violation of his fundamental human rights, continuing his legal battle against state harassment and rights violations.
In September 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) detained Sowore at the Murtala Muhammed airport upon his arrival from the United States as he was alleged to be planning another protest in October. He was released after a brief detention and passport seizure, showing continued government surveillance and harassment.
Career Timeline & Major Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Born February 16, Kiribo, Ondo State | Beginning of life journey |
| 1985 | Completed secondary school at age 14 | Early academic achievement |
| 1989 | Admitted to University of Lagos | Beginning of university activism |
| 1989 | IMF loan protest participation | First major protest involvement |
| 1992-1994 | SUG President, University of Lagos | Student leadership position |
| 1992 | Led 5,100 students in protest | Seven students killed by police |
| 1993 | June 12 democracy protests | Fight for democratic governance |
| 1995 | Graduated from University of Lagos | Completion despite expulsions |
| 1996 | Arrested during NYSC service | Military detention experience |
| 1999 | Left Nigeria for United States | Self-imposed exile |
| 2003 | Master’s degree from Columbia University | Advanced education completed |
| 2006 | Founded Sahara Reporters | Revolutionary journalism begins |
| 2009 | Underwear Bomber exclusive | International recognition |
| 2018 | Founded African Action Congress | Entry into electoral politics |
| 2019 | Presidential candidate (33,953 votes) | First presidential campaign |
| 2019 | Arrested for RevolutionNow protest | Months of detention |
| 2019 | Released December 24 | Freedom after court battles |
| 2021 | Multiple arrests and injuries during protests | Continued activism despite persecution |
| 2023 | Presidential candidate (14,608 votes) | Second presidential campaign |
| 2024 | Detained at Lagos airport | Ongoing harassment continues |
Key Takeaways from Sowore’s Journey
Unwavering Commitment to Justice
Sowore’s decades-long commitment to fighting corruption and advocating for democracy, despite arrests, torture, and exile, demonstrates extraordinary courage and conviction that few possess.
Multi-Dimensional Impact
His contributions span student activism, investigative journalism, electoral politics, and public intellectualism, showing how different approaches can combine to create comprehensive social impact.
Personal Sacrifice for Collective Good
From fishing at dawn to feed his family as a child, to risking his life for democratic reform as an adult, Sowore’s life exemplifies putting collective wellbeing above personal comfort and safety.
Institutional Innovation
The founding of Sahara Reporters revolutionized Nigerian journalism, demonstrating how institutional innovation can create lasting change and provide platforms for citizen engagement and accountability.
Personal Life: Family and Private Matters
Marriage and Family
Omoyele Sowore is married to Opeyemi Oluwole Sowore, who has been supportive of his activism and political ambitions. She has also advocated for his release during his multiple arrests, demonstrating the important role family support plays in sustaining activist work.
Omoyele Sowore and his wife, Opeyemi, have children, though the specific details about them are kept private. He currently resides with his family in Haworth, New Jersey, maintaining his U.S. base while continuing to focus on Nigerian affairs.
He is a U.S. permanent resident and his wife and children are U.S. citizens, a status that has provided some protection and attracted international attention to his detention and persecution in Nigeria.
Privacy and Security Concerns
He is married with children, but due to the nature of his profession keeps his family away from the prying eyes of the public. This decision to maintain privacy for his family reflects the security concerns that come with his high-profile activism and the enemies it has created.
Like is said earlier in this article, Sowore has so far chosen to keep the names of his wife and children private due to some reasons which is currently unknown to us, though security considerations seem paramount given his confrontations with powerful interests.
International Connections
His status as U.S. permanent resident with family members who are U.S. citizens has occasionally provided leverage through international pressure when he faces persecution in Nigeria, with American officials and institutions sometimes intervening on his behalf.
The international dimension of his life, splitting time between New York and Nigeria, has enabled him to maintain Sahara Reporters while engaging directly with Nigerian activism, though it has also led to accusations from critics about being an “outsider.”
Awards and Recognition: Honoring Courage
International Press Freedom Awards
Sowore has received numerous awards and recognition for his work as a journalist and activist. Winner of the PEN America Freedom to Write Award (2017), recognizing his courageous work in investigative journalism and his willingness to face persecution for press freedom.
Winner of the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) International Press Freedom Award (2017), one of journalism’s most prestigious honors, acknowledging his fearless reporting and the personal risks he has taken to expose corruption and abuse of power.
Finalist for the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards (2016), reflecting international recognition of his contributions to free expression and his refusal to be silenced by threats or persecution.
Academic and Institutional Recognition
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs condemned his detention, with the university stating that Sowore had pioneered new and important avenues in the field of investigative journalism, therefore his arrest stands condemned.
The university’s public statement noted that as an alumnus, Sowore’s work represents the values of public service and commitment to justice that the institution seeks to instill in its graduates.
Legacy and Influence
His activism has inspired a new generation of Nigerians to demand more from their leaders and to fight for a better future, creating a ripple effect of civic engagement and democratic participation among young Nigerians.
Through his tireless efforts, he has inspired a generation of Nigerians to demand more from their leaders and to fight for a better future. His unwavering commitment to truth, transparency, and democratic reform has left an indelible mark on Nigerian society.
Legacy and Impact: Transforming Nigerian Democratic Discourse
Revolutionary Journalism Model
Sahara Reporters has fundamentally changed how Nigerians access information about government corruption and has provided a model for citizen journalism that has been replicated across Africa.
His platform’s policy of not accepting government advertising or funding has demonstrated that independent journalism is possible and has inspired other media outlets to maintain editorial independence despite economic pressures.
Inspiring Youth Engagement
Although he did not win the election, Sowore’s candidacy helped to galvanize a new generation of Nigerian activists and politicians, providing a platform for young Nigerians to engage with alternative political visions.
His campaigns have shown young Nigerians that political participation beyond the two dominant parties is possible and has encouraged many to consider running for office or engaging in activism.
Expanding Protest Rights
His continued protests despite repeated arrests have helped normalize peaceful demonstration as a legitimate form of political expression and have pushed back against government attempts to criminalize dissent.
The RevolutionNow movement, despite its suppression, sparked important conversations about citizens’ rights to protest and challenge government policies, contributing to a broader culture of civic activism.
International Attention to Nigerian Governance
His international profile and the global attention his arrests attracted have put international spotlight on Nigerian governance issues, creating external pressure for democratic reforms and human rights protections.
The condemnation of his detention by figures like Wole Soyinka, Oby Ezekwesili and many other activists, along with international human rights organizations, has made Nigerian government more conscious of international opinion regarding its treatment of activists.
Accusations and Defenses
Some people accused Sowore of using his news platform (Sahara reporters) to promote and extort money from various politicians in Nigeria but he has since denied these allegations, maintaining that the platform operates independently and ethically.
There were claims that he was a cultist during his time at Unilag as the SUG President which attracted enemies from rival cult members, though these allegations have been disputed and may have been planted by his political enemies.
Political Criticisms
Some Nigerians questioned his effectiveness as a presidential candidate given his low vote tallies in both 2019 and 2023, arguing that his radical approach limits his electoral appeal.
Critics argue that his confrontational style and uncompromising positions, while admirable from an activist perspective, may limit his ability to build the broad coalitions necessary for electoral success in Nigeria’s complex political environment.
Recent Confrontations
When he called a sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria a criminal, it sparked controversy and criticism even from some who otherwise support his activism, with critics arguing that personal attacks undermine legitimate policy criticisms.
His continued willingness to directly confront sitting presidents and powerful politicians has maintained his relevance but also ensured continued government harassment and attempts to silence his platform.
Conclusion: The Unfinished Revolution
Omoyele Sowore’s remarkable life journey from a child fishing at dawn in rural Kiribo to feed his family, to becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognized advocates for democracy and human rights, represents an extraordinary story of determination, sacrifice, and unwavering principle.
With a career spanning over three decades, Sowore has become a thorn in the side of corrupt politicians and a beacon of hope for the masses. From his early days as a student activist, to his founding of the groundbreaking news platform Sahara Reporters, and his recent foray into politics, Sowore has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to truth, transparency, and democratic reform.
His unrelenting pursuit of justice has earned him both accolades and adversaries, but he remains undeterred, driven by an unshakeable belief in the power of the people to effect change. Through his work, Sowore has exposed the dark underbelly of Nigerian politics, shedding light on corrupt practices and human rights abuses that have long plagued the country.
His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerian activists and politicians. As a journalist, activist, and politician, Sowore has consistently challenged the status quo, pushing boundaries and defying conventions. His work has not only exposed corruption and human rights abuses but has also given voice to the voiceless and hope to the marginalized.
Sowore’s story is a reminder that change is possible, that one person can make a difference, and that the struggle for justice and equality is worth fighting for. And yet, despite his many accomplishments, Sowore remains humble, recognizing that the struggle for a more just and equitable society is far from over.
Looking forward, as he continues his activism through Sahara Reporters, occasional protests, and potential future political campaigns, Omoyele Sowore remains a pivotal figure in Nigerian democratic discourse. His willingness to sacrifice personal comfort and safety for democratic principles provides a powerful example of principled leadership in an era often characterized by political opportunism.
Whether one agrees with all his methods or positions, Sowore’s contribution to Nigerian democracy through fearless journalism, consistent activism, and willingness to challenge power cannot be denied. His life serves as testament to the transformative power of courage, conviction, and activism in the ongoing struggle for a more just, transparent, and democratic Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Omoyele Sowore’s educational background?
University of Lagos Education
Sowore studied Geography and Planning at the University of Lagos, from 1989 to 1995, with his academic program extended by two additional years after he was expelled twice for political and student activism.
Student Leadership Role
He served as the President of the University of Lagos Student Union Government between 1992 and 1994 during which time he was involved in anti-cultism and anti-corruption advocacy.
Graduate Education
Sowore holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, graduating in May 2003 from this prestigious Ivy League institution in New York.
Teaching Career
Apart from his journalistic work, Sowore has also lectured on Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post-Colonial African History at the School of Art, New York.
2. When and why did Sowore found Sahara Reporters?
Founding Year and Location
Sowore started Sahara Reporters in New York City in 2006 to fight against corrupt and wrong government practices, establishing the platform from his Manhattan office after leaving Nigeria in 1999.
Mission and Purpose
In 2006, he founded Sahara Reporters, an investigative journalism platform that focuses on exposing corruption and abuse of power in Nigeria, providing a space for citizen journalism.
Funding and Independence
Sahara Reporters is supported by grants from the Ford Foundation and Omidyar Foundation. As part of its policy, Sahara does not accept adverts and financial support from the Nigerian Government.
Impact Achievement
Since 2006, Sahara Reporters has published over 5,000 reports and gained international recognition, including being the first to identify the “Underwear Bomber” in December 2009.
3. What happened during Sowore’s 2019 arrest?
Initial Arrest
On 3 August 2019, Omoyele Sowore was arrested by the Nigerian State Security Service (SSS), for alleged treason after calling for a protest tagged RevolutionNow, arrested just two days before the planned nationwide protests.
Detention Period
He was detained for several months despite court orders for his release, with DSS operatives even invading court premises on December 5, 2019, to re-arrest him immediately after a judge granted him bail.
International Condemnation
The Federal Government’s actions were condemned by Wole Soyinka, Oby Ezekwesili and many other activists, while Columbia University and international human rights organizations demanded his release.
Final Release
He was finally released on 24 December 2019, after prolonged detention that drew international attention and highlighted the shrinking space for civil society and protest in Nigeria.
4. How many times has Sowore run for president?
2019 Presidential Campaign
In August 2018, he founded the African Action Congress party and ran as its presidential candidate in the 2019 Nigerian general election, receiving 33,953 votes and finishing in fifth place.
2023 Presidential Campaign
Sowore also ran for President in the 2023 Nigerian General elections as the presidential candidate of his party (AAC) where he recorded 14,608 votes, an election he described as a “selection.”
Campaign Impact
Although he did not win the elections, Sowore’s candidacy helped to galvanize a new generation of Nigerian activists and politicians, providing alternative political discourse.
5. What awards has Omoyele Sowore received?
Press Freedom Recognition
Winner of the PEN America Freedom to Write Award (2017) and Winner of the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) International Press Freedom Award (2017), two of journalism’s most prestigious honors.
Additional Honors
Finalist for the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards (2016), reflecting international recognition of his contributions to free expression and investigative journalism.
Academic Recognition
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs publicly condemned his detention, stating that Sowore had pioneered new and important avenues in investigative journalism.
6. What is Sowore’s family background and current status?
Early Life
Born February 16, 1971, in Kiribo, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, he was the youngest of 18 children born to his parents, who were peasant farmers in a polygamous family.
Childhood Responsibilities
At age 12, he learned to ride a motorcycle so that he could go to the lake to go fish for food to feed his entire family every morning before going to school.
Current Family
Omoyele Sowore is married to Opeyemi Oluwole Sowore, who has been supportive of his activism. They have children, though specific details are kept private. He is a U.S. permanent resident and his wife and children are U.S. citizens.
Current Residence
He currently resides with his family in Haworth, New Jersey, while maintaining his seventh-floor office on West 29th Street in Manhattan where he operates Sahara Reporters.