Deji Adeyanju Opens Up on Rift With Sowore, Says “I Speak the Truth, Not Politics”

Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has spoken publicly about his strained relationship with Omoyele Sowore, saying months of online attacks from some of Sowore’s supporters forced him to finally respond.

In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Adeyanju said he deliberately ignored the criticism for over two months but decided to break his silence so those attacking him would know he was aware of their actions.

According to him, the disagreement began after he appeared on the Honest Bunch Podcast, where he was asked whether Sowore could win the 2027 presidential election.

Adeyanju said he answered “No,” arguing that Nigerian elections are driven by factors beyond ideology.

“They started attacking me from the day I said Sowore cannot win the 2027 election because he does not share rice. Did I lie?” he wrote.

The activist also addressed criticism over his relationship with social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM), insisting he repeatedly advised him to stop disrespecting Sowore.

Adeyanju claimed he personally warned VDM several times in the presence of witnesses and even arranged a phone call in an attempt to resolve the disagreement between both men.

He further maintained that he consistently defended Sowore whenever he believed the activist was unfairly attacked online.

“I posted that even if they showed a picture of Sowore stealing money from the CBN vault, his integrity would remain intact,” he said, referring to a previous post he made in defence of the AAC presidential candidate.

Despite that, Adeyanju alleged that some of Sowore’s supporters continued to target him, accusing them of expecting him to publicly align with every political position taken by the activist.

He also questioned why Sowore had not publicly condemned supporters whom he accused of attacking him on social media, while recalling that their last conversation centred on an appeal by Sowore regarding another online dispute.

Adeyanju concluded by saying he has always respected Sowore but believes activism should not excuse personal attacks or what he described as “childish online behaviour.”

The comments add another chapter to the growing public disagreement between two prominent activists who have often found themselves on the same side of major national issues but now appear divided over political strategy and recent events.

‘No Child Will Pay WAEC or NECO Fees Under My Government’ — Sowore Unveils 20-Point Education Plan for 2027

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential hopeful Omoyele Sowore has unveiled a 20-point education blueprint, promising free education at all levels and the abolition of WAEC, NECO and other public examination fees if elected president in 2027.

The proposal comes amid public debate over the Federal Government’s approval of a new ₦50,000 registration fee for WAEC and NECO examinations beginning in 2027.

In a statement released alongside a series of illustrated policy cards, Sowore said no Nigerian child would be required to pay for public examinations under his administration.

“Education will be free because knowledge is a right, not a privilege,” he said.

According to Sowore, his education policy aims to provide free, high-quality education from early childhood through university while expanding access to technology, improving learning facilities and strengthening support for teachers and students.

Among the proposals are free education at every level, semester grants for students in public tertiary institutions, universal early childhood education, and a restructuring of the education system.

The plan also includes digital classrooms, artificial intelligence and coding education, community colleges in every local government area, expanded technical and vocational training, and reforms for polytechnics.

Sowore further proposed better salaries and improved welfare for teachers, greater university autonomy, protection of student unionism, increased funding for research and innovation, upgraded school infrastructure, school feeding programmes and stronger support for students with disabilities.

He said the goal is to ensure that no child’s educational opportunities are determined by poverty.

“This is not a promise of politics. It is a revolutionary commitment to build a nation where no child’s future is determined by poverty,” he stated.

The AAC candidate encouraged Nigerians to study the proposals, debate them and support what he described as a vision for transforming the country’s education sector.

His announcement is expected to fuel discussions on education financing, particularly following concerns raised by parents and education stakeholders over the planned increase in examination fees.

While Sowore’s proposals outline what he says his administration would pursue if elected, they remain campaign promises that would require electoral victory, legislative support and government implementation before they could become policy.

Highlights of Sowore’s 20-Point Education Plan

• Free education from nursery to university.
• No WAEC, NECO or other public examination fees.
• Semester grants for public tertiary institution students.
• Better salaries and welfare for teachers.
• AI, coding and digital education in schools.
• Community colleges in every local government area.
• Expansion of technical and vocational education.
• Greater university autonomy and protection of student unionism.
• Increased investment in research, innovation and school infrastructure.
• Inclusive education and improved student welfare programmes.

While Others Celebrate, One Oyo Family Is Still Mourning—The Heartbreaking Story of Teacher Michael Oyedokun

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has attributed the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to sustained public pressure from Nigerians, civil society groups, lawyers and international organisations.

Sowore announced the journalist’s release on Friday, describing it as a victory for collective action against what he called repression.

“We have good news! Ms. Zainab Sodiq is finally free from the grip of repression,” Sowore said in a statement made available to Shemariah Media.

According to him, the campaign for Sodiq’s freedom gained momentum through the efforts of individuals and organisations that demanded her release and challenged her continued detention.

He specifically acknowledged the interventions of senior advocate Femi Falana (SAN), International Press Institute (IPI) President Musikilu Mojeed, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International, activists of the Take It Back Movement, journalists, civil society organisations and Nigerians who spoke out against the detention.

“To everyone who raised their voice, made calls, demanded justice, and stood firmly against repression: Thank you!” Sowore said.

He added that Sodiq’s release demonstrated the power of citizens acting together to defend fundamental rights.

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated,” he stated.

Sodiq’s detention drew national attention after Sowore alleged that she was arrested because she covered his daily activities as a journalist. The DSS, however, maintained that she was being investigated over the possession of a drone without the required authorisation, insisting that its actions were in line with national security regulations governing the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The conflicting accounts triggered widespread debate, with media organisations, legal practitioners, rights groups and press freedom advocates calling for transparency and respect for due process.

Although Sodiq has now regained her freedom, questions remain over the circumstances surrounding her detention and whether the investigation referenced by the DSS has been concluded.

The agency has yet to issue a statement following her release.

The development marks the latest chapter in a case that has sparked renewed conversations about press freedom, national security and the rights of journalists in Nigeria.