Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has sharply criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring that the ex-president is entirely undeserving of joy, felicitations, or any celebratory sentiments on his 82nd birthday.
Sowore’s remarks came amidst a wave of birthday greetings directed at Buhari from a variety of Nigerians, both online and offline, marking the former president’s special day.
The human rights activist and founder of the #RevolutionNow movement argued that Buhari’s legacy is riddled with failures, injustices, and mismanagement, rendering him unworthy of any honor or recognition. Sowore’s position reflects the widespread dissatisfaction that many Nigerians feel about the Buhari administration, which was marred by accusations of corruption, human rights violations, and an overall failure to address the country’s most pressing challenges.
In his response to a congratulatory message posted by Bashir Ahmad, Buhari’s former aide, Sowore did not hold back, saying, “A man that destroyed his country does not deserve any honor, accolades, or happiness. Baba Munafikin Banza, Baba Barawo Banza (Vain Hypocrite Father, Vain Thief Father)!” His words were a direct attack on Buhari’s leadership and legacy, which Sowore believes to have had devastating consequences for Nigeria.
On his Facebook page, Sowore further elaborated on his stance, stating that after eight years of what he described as economic destruction and widespread violence under Buhari’s administration, the former president should not be celebrated. He wrote, “Considering the economic destruction, looting, and massacres that occurred during his disastrous eight-year tenure, Muhammadu Buhari deserves NO happiness on his birthday.”
Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from May 2015 until May 2023. Under his leadership, the country grappled with severe economic challenges, including skyrocketing unemployment rates, rampant inflation, and a crippling poverty crisis. The Buhari administration also faced widespread criticism for its handling of human rights, particularly during key moments such as the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, which saw the brutal suppression of peaceful demonstrators by security forces.
Sowore’s remarks, especially his harsh language, underscore the deep divisions in Nigeria’s political landscape. His criticism reflects the sentiments of many Nigerians who view Buhari’s presidency as a time of immense suffering, particularly in terms of economic hardships and human rights abuses. For Sowore, Buhari’s legacy is one that deserves no celebration, particularly in light of the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians throughout his two terms in office.
