The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Mr Omoyele Sowore, has said President Bola Tinubu is intimidated by what he described as his growing popularity among grassroots Nigerians.
Sowore made the remarks on Thursday while speaking with journalists outside the Federal High Court in Abuja after proceedings in his ongoing trial.
The activist is facing charges over alleged publication of false information relating to President Tinubu.
He is accused of describing the President as a “criminal” in posts published on his personal X and Facebook accounts.
During the court session, the trial judge warned that the court could close the defence’s case if Sowore failed to proceed with presenting his defence.
Addressing journalists after the proceedings, Sowore alleged that the case against him was politically motivated ahead of the next general elections.
“There is an election that is coming. Tinubu is mortally, mortally afraid of my popularity with the grassroots,” he said.
Sowore said his political movement continued to attract support without distributing money or other inducements to voters.
“We are not paying a dime. We are not distributing bread. No soap, no rice, not even bitter kola, no TomTom, no kuli-kuli or akara,” he said.
According to him, his objective is to provide leadership capable of addressing challenges across different sectors, including the judiciary.
“We are here to provide the leadership for this country that can make Nigeria work, including the judiciary,” he added.
The case was adjourned for the continuation of proceedings. (
