When I Fought For MKO Abiola in 1993—Which Election Did I Lose That I Was Bittered About?' - Sowore

The Convener of the Take It Back Movement, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that accusations of bitterness over electoral losses are baseless, recalling his early activism during the June 12 struggle in 1993. He questioned what election he could have possibly lost at the time, emphasizing that his involvement came at great personal cost.

He further alleged that such criticisms stem from what he described as “childish minds,” arguing that his fight for democracy began at the age of 21 when he stood up for MKO Abiola’s mandate. Sowore recounted how his activism led to persecution under the Babangida and Abacha regimes, including an attempt on his life and his expulsion from university. Referencing archival footage taken by Channels Television, he maintained that his agitation has always been about principle, not personal loss.

He said in an interview with Channels TV, "When I was fighting for June 12 in 1993, which election did I lose? Tell me. When I was 21 years old, I fought to restore a mandate of Abiola. You saw, you've seen the video. In fact, the only video of me that existed with Abiola was taken by Channel Television, John Momoh, your proprietor. I'm asking the people you said are saying this, that in their own childish mind, which election did I lose in 1993 that got me to almost get killed by Babangida and Abacha and also got me expelled from the university? Which election did I lose that I'm bitter about at that time?"