By Ado Oyeyemi
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that he sought an apology from former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, following their confrontation at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.
Sowore said he approached Amaechi after the contentious session, arguing that his long-standing campaign for democratic governance helped create the political environment in which the former governor was able to build his career.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, the AAC candidate said his political credentials should not be assessed only through the conventional measure of holding government office.
He argued that years spent advocating democracy, accountability and good governance had equipped him with a different kind of leadership experience.
Sowore disclosed that he contacted Amaechi after the event and told him to apologise over the exchange. He added that Amaechi responded by inviting him to his residence for food and drinks, which he declined, saying he jokingly feared being poisoned.
The activist maintained that Amaechi’s rise through elective and appointive positions was made possible by Nigeria’s return to democratic rule, noting his tenure as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor and later Minister of Transportation.
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He also reiterated his opposition to the removal of fuel subsidy, claiming that he had warned against the policy before its implementation because of its potential impact on the economy and ordinary Nigerians.
The disagreement at the NBA conference followed Sowore’s criticism of Amaechi’s record in public office, particularly his performance as governor and Transportation Minister. Amaechi responded by highlighting projects executed during his tenure and challenged Rivers lawyers to inspect some of the projects.
The exchange became heated when Amaechi told Sowore to keep quiet while politicians were speaking. Sowore, however, maintained that the incident had not altered his assessment of his own contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development.
The AAC candidate further rejected the view that presidential aspirants must first have served in government, arguing that effective leadership is rooted in vision, broad knowledge and the ability to bring competent people together to achieve results.
He subsequently criticised Amaechi again, questioning the former governor’s description as “Excellency” and claiming that he had not made an outstanding contribution to Nigeria.
The confrontation occurred as political figures at the NBA conference discussed the country’s economic difficulties, insecurity, fuel subsidy, governance and the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
