Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has released rare archival video clips documenting his interactions with the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola during the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, describing the footage as evidence of his long-standing commitment to justice, democracy and national liberation.
In a statement accompanying the release of the clips, Sowore said the footage serves as a reminder that his involvement in Nigeria’s democratic struggle dates back several decades and did not begin with his recent political activism.
According to him, he was actively involved in the resistance against military dictatorship following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria’s history.
Sowore stated that the newly surfaced videos capture moments of his interactions with Abiola and his engagement with individuals within the late politician’s circle during a period of intense political uncertainty and agitation for the restoration of democratic rule.
Reflecting on the significance of the footage, the activist argued that many individuals currently occupying positions of influence either opposed, ignored or later appropriated the democratic movement, while those who remained committed to its ideals continue to face political pressure and state repression.
”The irony is striking,” Sowore said, adding that some of those who were absent from the struggle now occupy positions of authority and seek to suppress voices advocating for accountability and democratic reforms.
He maintained that the released clips should not merely be viewed as historical records but as evidence of consistency in his political convictions and activism.
According to Sowore, the videos demonstrate that he stood with pro-democracy forces during a period when challenging military rule carried significant personal risks. He noted that the same principles that motivated his activism during the June 12 era continue to shape his advocacy today.
The activist also used the occasion to criticize what he described as the deployment of state institutions against dissenting voices, warning that history has repeatedly shown that political repression cannot permanently silence legitimate demands for justice and democratic governance.
Drawing parallels between past and present struggles, Sowore argued that every generation produces both those who wield power to suppress opposition and those who resist such actions in pursuit of social and political change.
He expressed confidence that democratic ideals would ultimately prevail, insisting that while political power may be temporary, the pursuit of justice and accountability remains enduring.
Concluding his statement, Sowore declared that the struggle for a more just and democratic Nigeria remains ongoing, emphasizing that future generations would ultimately judge individuals based on their commitment to the principles of freedom, justice and popular sovereignty.
The release of the footage has generated discussions on social media, with supporters describing it as a significant historical reminder of the sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle, while also reigniting conversations about the legacy of Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and the state of democratic governance in the country today.
