A coalition of prominent civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria has formally reported popular activist and 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to key regulatory bodies including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and other media oversight agencies. The group accused Sowore of engaging in a sustained campaign of cyberbullying, misinformation, and character assassination, labeling his actions as “digital terrorism in disguise.”
The coalition, led by the Independent Public Service and Accountability Watch (IPSAC), alongside allied civil society groups, called on the regulatory bodies to publicly disassociate themselves from Sowore’s tactics. They stressed that “silence is complicity,” urging an immediate and thorough investigation into the activist-politician’s digital conduct.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the coalition’s spokesperson, Adeniran Taiwo, articulated deep concerns about Sowore’s use of his media platforms. According to Taiwo, what initially appeared as genuine activism has now deteriorated into a dangerous blend of arrogance, misinformation, and deliberate attempts to blackmail public figures and institutions.
“What began as a promising voice of dissent has now descended into a toxic cocktail of arrogance, misinformation, and deliberate blackmail,” Taiwo stated. He further emphasized that Sowore has weaponized his platforms to spread falsehoods that undermine public trust in Nigeria’s governance and democratic institutions.
The coalition highlighted that Sowore’s actions have transcended legitimate criticism, evolving into a targeted campaign to discredit the country’s leadership and foment public distrust. This behavior, the group warns, has detrimental effects on the fabric of Nigerian society, especially among the youth.
The civil society groups branded Sowore’s style of activism as “digital terrorism,” arguing that his persistent negative narratives serve to indoctrinate Nigeria’s youth against national identity and patriotism. Taiwo warned that this approach risks promoting a culture of chaos and instability rather than constructive engagement and nation-building.
“He has made a career of malicious blackmail… painting Nigeria as a failed state to advance a chaos-driven agenda,” Taiwo said. The coalition expressed concern that Sowore’s rhetoric is not only harmful but also dangerously misleading, potentially inciting social unrest under the guise of activism.
In their demand to the NHRC, NUJ, and media regulatory authorities, the coalition urged for a decisive response. They called on these bodies to publicly distance themselves from Sowore’s actions, signaling zero tolerance for what they describe as digital abuse and manipulation of civic freedoms.
The groups stressed that unchecked cyberbullying and misinformation could set a dangerous precedent for the abuse of digital freedoms across Nigeria. Therefore, they urged the government to act swiftly to hold Sowore accountable and to ensure that the nation’s democratic processes and public discourse are protected from such malign influences.
Omoyele Sowore is a well-known Nigerian activist, journalist, and founder of the online news platform Sahara Reporters. His activism has often been characterized by outspoken criticism of Nigerian governments, advocating for transparency and anti-corruption reforms. Sowore contested the 2023 Nigerian presidential election but failed to secure a significant share of the vote.
Despite his reputation as a pro-democracy campaigner, Sowore has increasingly faced criticism for his approach, which some perceive as confrontational and polarizing. The recent allegations by civil society groups add to the complex discourse surrounding the balance between activism and responsible digital engagement.
The report against Sowore emerges amid growing concerns in Nigeria about the misuse of digital platforms. Cyberbullying, misinformation, and hate speech have become major issues threatening social cohesion and public trust in institutions.
Regulatory bodies such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the National Human Rights Commission have been called upon to navigate these challenges by enforcing media ethics, protecting rights, and promoting responsible digital citizenship. The case involving Sowore puts these bodies under pressure to clarify their stance on digital activism and its limits.
The coalition has made it clear that they expect prompt responses from the NHRC, NUJ, and media regulators, emphasizing that any delay or silence would be tantamount to endorsing digital abuse. The coming days will reveal how these agencies respond to the urgent call for investigation and possible sanctions.
Meanwhile, Sowore has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. His supporters argue that the report is a political move aimed at silencing dissent and critical voices.
The controversy surrounding Omoyele Sowore highlights a crucial debate in Nigeria’s evolving democracy: how to balance the right to free expression with the need to prevent digital abuse and misinformation. As civil society pushes for accountability, the response from regulatory bodies will be instrumental in shaping the future of digital activism and media ethics in Nigeria.