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The National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the attitude of some Nigerian leaders who, according to him, have abandoned the country’s failing healthcare system and prefer to seek medical care and even die abroad.
Sowore made the remarks during the National Convention of the African Action Congress (AAC) held on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Lamenting the condition of the country, he said Nigerians are besieged by insecurity, hunger, poor healthcare, and collapsing infrastructure adding that the country is now in a space of agony.
He listed deteriorating hospitals, unsafe schools, rising poverty and the continuous exodus of medical professionals as indicators of a nation in distress.
“Nigerians cannot even trust their hospitals anymore. Our leaders travel abroad for treatment and some are no longer comfortable even dying in Nigeria. That is the sad state of our nation.”
Sowore argued that the demand for change is not merely a protest but a call for principled leadership and integrity, warning against political compromise and opportunism.
He criticised politicians who only use parties during elections and later return to old alliances.
He revealed that some established political parties had attempted to pressure his party into collaboration, but insisted that the AAC would not align with groups that do not share its values.
“We cannot join them because we have nothing in common. APC or PDP whichever way you turn the letters, it is the same thing, Only people who believe in our ideology should join us.” Sowore added.
Sowore also advised newly inaugurated party executives to resist financial inducements, saying political parties now spend heavily to buy loyalty.
“The future of this party and Nigeria is in your hands. Do not accept everyone who comes with money. We only want people who believe in our mission to save this country.”
He further claimed that one major political party had “died a natural death” while another was between life and death insisting that their rebranding efforts could not hide their internal contradictions.
Using a popular expression, he said:
“No matter how you package it, if something is not Panadol, it cannot work like Panadol.”
Sharing a personal experience, Sowore recounted his 2019 arrest when security agencies allegedly attempted to implicate party coordinators in a treason case, an attempt he claimed was only halted by public pressure.
He praised committed party members who have remained steadfast despite limited resources, noting that while politicians from bigger parties move in luxury convoys, many AAC members rely on public transport after major political events.
“People may mock us for not driving big cars, but we are not ashamed. We believe in accountability and simplicity,” he said.
As he concluded his address, Sowore thanked state chairmen, secretaries and party supporters, reaffirming the AAC’s resolve to build a new political culture rooted in service, sincerity and accountability.
“We face bad weather, bad roads and insecurity. But despite all of this, we will continue our struggle. Nigeria must change,” he concluded.
