- AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore recounts his historic refusal of N800,000 from MKO Abiola in 1993
- Sowore, then UNILAG Student Union leader, questioned Abiola’s readiness for the fight for democracy
- He then revealed how he turned down a hefty sum from the late politician
Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, has shared a fascinating account of his encounter with the late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of Nigeria's annulled 1993 presidential election.
Sowore, in an appearance on the Honest Bunch podcast hosted by Nedu, Husband Material, Deity Cole, and Ezinne, revealed how, at the age of 21, he turned down a generous offer of N800,000 from Abiola during a pivotal moment in Nigerian history.
The encounter, which took place in 1993, occurred shortly after General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the June 12 election.
At the time, Sowore was the leader of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Student Union, and he led a delegation to meet Abiola in a bid to understand his commitment to the fight for democracy.
Speaking to the hosts, Sowore recounted the story, reflecting on the broader political atmosphere of the time.
"We started protesting immediately after the annulment, but we were also concerned whether Abiola was strong enough to fight the battle we were ready for—the battle of our lives. This was the year I was supposed to graduate from university," Sowore recalled.
He further explained that the student leaders were so determined to speak with Abiola that they drove directly to his house in a Student Union bus, bypassing all formal protocols. Upon arriving, Abiola recognised Sowore, greeting him warmly: “Ah, student union leader, I know you. Good job!”
The conversation quickly turned to the seriousness of the struggle. Sowore asked Abiola, "Are you ready for this battle? Are you ready to die for Nigerians?"
Abiola, responding affirmatively, was surrounded by politicians who Sowore claimed were more interested in Abiola's wealth than his political mandate.
“I told him, ‘These people don’t believe in your mandate. They will eventually abandon you,’” Sowore said.
As they entered Abiola’s living room, Sowore noticed a duffel bag of cash beside the businessman and politician, and shortly thereafter, Abiola offered N800,000 for transportation.
However, Sowore rejected the money, explaining that it was far too much for what was essentially a short journey from UNILAG to Abiola's house.
"I told him, ‘Chief, forget the transportation; how can N800,000 cover transport from UNILAG to here?’" Sowore recalled.
Despite Abiola’s insistence, Sowore and his colleagues refused the offer.
"He had never given money to anyone before, but we rejected it."
Sowore’s firm stance caused visible tension in the room, especially among the politicians who were present.
He was, at the time, dressed simply in slippers and his only Ankara outfit, making his rejection of the offer even more symbolic.
Sowore mentioned that Chief Anthony Enahoro, a prominent Nigerian nationalist who was also in the room, supported him.
How famous picture of Abiola and Sowore came to be
In an effort to ease the situation, Abiola escorted Sowore and his colleagues out. At that moment, John Momoh—now the owner of Channels Television—and his cameraman were waiting to interview Abiola.
It was during this brief interaction that the now-iconic photograph of Sowore with Abiola was taken.
Sowore explained that he wasn’t aware of the photo’s existence until 2018. The photograph, which had been taken by a photographer named Tunji Oyelero, was never given to Sowore at the time.
"He passed away before I got it, and one day, someone sent it to me," Sowore said.
The viral image of Sowore and Abiola, standing together in the aftermath of the annulled June 12 election, has since become one of the most enduring symbols of that turbulent period in Nigeria’s history.
Reflecting on the encounter, Sowore expressed gratitude for the chance to meet Abiola, but he also stressed the importance of staying true to one’s principles.
The moment has remained a powerful part of Sowore’s own political journey, serving as a reminder of his commitment to fighting for a better future for Nigeria, free from the corrupting influence of money and power.
“Forex market stabilised, Boko Haram cut down”: 10 key points from Tinubu’s Independence speech
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the President, Bola Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges Nigerians face but assured that reforms will soon bring relief.
Nigerians reacted to the key points from the President’s speech on Nigeria's 64th Independence anniversary.
