In a recent interview, Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 election, shared a powerful story of his 1993 encounter with Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of Nigeria’s annulled June 12 election.
Sowore, then a 21-year-old student union leader at the University of Lagos, described how he led a student delegation to Abiola’s residence, challenging the politician on his commitment to resisting the annulment by the military government.
During his appearance on ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast, hosted by Glitch Africa Studios and co-anchored by media personalities including Nedu and Deity Cole, Sowore recalled the only meeting he had with Abiola.
He revealed that Abiola, seeking to aid their transportation, offered the student union delegation N800,000, a sum that Sowore politely declined.
“We were concerned about whether Abiola was strong enough for the battle ahead, a battle that we, as students, were ready to fight,” Sowore explained.
“This was the year I was supposed to graduate. So we went directly to his house, determined to get his answer.” Sowore recounted how he and his team arrived unannounced, cutting through protocols, and Abiola immediately recognized him as a student leader.
When Sowore asked if Abiola was prepared to die for the mandate, the politician confirmed he was. However, Sowore noted that other politicians present appeared more interested in money than the cause.
He voiced his concerns to Abiola, saying, “These people don’t believe in your mandate and will betray you.”
In response, Abiola reportedly offered the students N800,000 for transportation. Sowore, however, refused, replying humorously, “Chief, how can N800,000 cover transport from UNILAG to here?” His rejection, he explained, was meant to underscore the seriousness of their visit and their dedication to the cause.
Sowore further recalled that the tension in the room was intense, especially as his refusal of Abiola’s gift frustrated some of the politicians present. Chief Anthony Enahoro, a veteran activist present at the meeting, backed Sowore’s stance, which helped diffuse the situation.
As they exited the residence, Sowore and his delegation were greeted by journalist John Momoh, now the owner of Channels Television, who captured the iconic photograph of Sowore and Abiola together.
“I didn’t know this photo existed until 2018,” Sowore shared, adding that he only received it after the photographer, Tunji Oyelero of ‘Vanguard’, had passed away.
This story of Sowore’s encounter with Abiola has resonated widely, offering a glimpse into his early activism and his unwavering dedication to principles.
