Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that he and members of his family have faced years of persecution by successive Nigerian governments.

Sowore made the allegation in a statement posted on his official page on Monday, claiming that the alleged actions against him were aimed at intimidating him and weakening his activism.

He alleged that authorities targeted his education, leading to his expulsion from the University of Lagos on two occasions, and also accused them of seizing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

“They targeted my education, resulting in my expulsion from the University of Lagos twice. They seized my NYSC certificate, hoping I would never secure employment after graduation,” he said.

The activist further alleged that his international passport had been repeatedly confiscated, restricting his movement and keeping him separated from his family for extended periods.

Sowore also claimed he had been imprisoned, prosecuted, assaulted and harassed over the years, adding that members of his family and associates were affected by the alleged persecution.

“They have imprisoned me, prosecuted me, assaulted me, shot at me, harassed those around me, murdered my brother, and tried to break my resolve,” he stated.

Despite the allegations, Sowore said the experiences had not weakened his commitment to his convictions.

“But they have failed. Persecution cannot defeat conviction, and these acts will not delay their day of judgment,” he added.