Sowore Demands Apology from Amaechi After NBA Clash

On August 26, 2023, Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), recounted the events following his confrontation with Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State and current vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt. The clash occurred during a political panel on August 21, 2023, where Sowore criticized Amaechi's record in governance, particularly regarding the impact of infrastructure projects on ordinary Nigerians amidst rising fuel prices and the removal of petrol subsidy.

Amaechi defended his tenure, citing significant projects like the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna rail lines. The exchange escalated when Amaechi told Sowore to “close your mouth.” Following the incident, Sowore reached out to Amaechi, expecting an apology, and was later invited to Amaechi's residence for a meal, which Sowore jokingly declined, referencing the earlier tension.

Sowore emphasized the role of activists in Nigeria's democracy, asserting that political relevance should not solely be measured by government positions.