Sowore Leads AAC Campaign Walk in Osogbo, Says Osun Is Ready for Change

Omoyele Sowore has joined supporters of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Osogbo, Osun State, in a fresh campaign mobilisation for the party’s governorship candidate, Olajide Esan.

Sowore shared images and a message from the campaign on Wednesday, August 12, saying the streets of Osogbo were filled with supporters who turned out to back Esan ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

According to Sowore, the turnout reflected what he described as a growing desire among Osun residents for a different political direction.

“Today in Osogbo, Osun State, the streets came alive as we turned out in force to give our powerful support to the AAC gubernatorial candidate, Olajide Esan,” Sowore said.

He described the atmosphere as energetic and said the campaign was taking the party’s message of what he called “revolutionary change” directly to residents.

“The energy was electric, the enthusiasm was unmistakable, and the message from the people was clear to the effect that Osun is ready for a new direction!” he added.

The latest mobilisation comes just three days before the August 15 Osun governorship election, which has generated intense political activity across the state.

Esan, a 39-year-old entrepreneur and geographer, emerged as the AAC governorship candidate in December 2025. He is contesting alongside his running mate, Bello Muideen Yekeen. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list of candidates included Esan among those cleared to contest the election. 

In recent days, Esan has continued to campaign around a message of citizen-centred governance, arguing that political leadership should serve the people rather than concentrate decision-making in the hands of politicians.

At a recent engagement in Osogbo, the AAC candidate said governance should return to the people and that leaders should be accountable to citizens. 

The campaign has also positioned Esan as an alternative to the major political parties contesting the election.

The AAC candidate has previously criticised rival candidates over their absence from a media-organised governorship debate, arguing that voters deserve the opportunity to hear candidates explain their plans and answer questions about the future of the state. 

Sowore’s appearance in Osogbo therefore adds another layer to the final stage of the AAC campaign. The activist and politician has remained one of the most prominent voices associated with the party since its formation, and his presence is expected to boost the party’s final mobilisation efforts.

In his message, Sowore insisted that the movement would continue taking its message directly to voters rather than relying solely on conventional political campaigning.

“We are taking the message of revolutionary change directly to the streets and to the people,” he said.

He also declared that there would be no retreat from the campaign.

“The movement is growing, and there is NO GOING BACK!”

The AAC campaign has consistently used its “Take It Back” message as part of its political identity, with Sowore calling on supporters to mobilise around demands for fundamental political and economic change.

The Osun election is expected to be closely watched because of the number of prominent political figures and parties involved. The contest includes incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam and other candidates, including AAC’s Olajide Esan. 

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, the competing parties have intensified their final campaigns across Osun.

For the AAC, Wednesday’s Osogbo mobilisation represents an attempt to demonstrate that the party has built a grassroots presence capable of challenging the established political forces in the state.

Sowore’s message also sought to frame the turnout as more than a campaign gathering, portraying it as evidence of growing public interest in an alternative political platform.

However, the ultimate test will come on election day, when Osun voters decide which candidate will receive their votes.

As the final campaign hours approach, all eyes are now on the state and whether the enthusiasm displayed at the various rallies will translate into votes at the polling units.

Sowore ended his message with the party’s familiar call to action: “AAC! TAKE IT BACK! ACTION!”