The fresh arrest of political activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reignited concerns over Nigeria’s shrinking civic space, with 2027 presidential hopeful, Princess Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru, describing it as “a national signal that must lead to transformative change.”

Sowore, a long-time critic of successive governments, was reportedly picked up without formal charges or official explanation. Majekodunmi-Oniru said the incident underscores the urgent need for citizens to rethink their political choices ahead of the next general elections.

“At this point, citizens are either Batified, Obidient, or fighting for Nigeria’s soul,” she said. “We have lost 65 years. Are we willing to lose another four? Will we join the status quo, or will we do all it takes to change the game?”

Positing that President Bola Tinubu and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are not the change Nigeria needs, Majekodunmi-Oniru, in her blunt assessment, urged voters to look beyond political branding.

She said, “Let us be honest about Tinubu. His entire public profile is allegedly built on controversies. His leadership has not addressed or fought corruption.”

On Obi, she remarked: “Peter Obi presents himself as a break from the old, but his roots are in the same soil.

He speaks of change, but benefits from the regressive system. His speeches are polished, but allegedly mostly written by aides. He may be more refined than Tinubu, but that does not make him the change Nigeria needs.”

While praising Sowore’s activism and independence from political “godfathers,” she urged him to pivot from street protests to structured leadership.

“He has always stood for justice, a rare ethical voice in Nigerian politics. But activism is not governance. He must pivot. Enough protesting from the sidelines, Nigeria needs him to step up and take the presidency with strategy, structure, and the will to win,” she stated.

Calling for a new political era, Majekodunmi-Oniru stressed that the country’s future depends on rejecting “recycled leadership” and embracing competence, integrity, and vision.

“Citizens deserve more than orchestrated deception. Nigeria is a nation of brilliance; we must be led by those who elevate, not exploit. Our future lies in the thumbprint of every Nigerian who dares to think wisely, vote truly, and protect every vote,” she said.

She also urged Nigerians to move beyond partisan loyalty: “The question is, will we remain Batified, Obidient, or will we be ‘sowed’ and united for a Greater Nigeria?”

Majekodunmi-Oniru currently leads a movement advocating bold, ethical, and future-focused governance in Nigeria and across Africa.