Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has recalled some of the criticism he faced when he first declared his intention to run for president in 2018.
Speaking during an episode of Inside Sources on Channels Television from 19:46 with host Lulu Akundi, Sowore reflected on his political journey and the reactions his appearance generated at the time.
According to him, many people focused more on the way he looked than on the ideas and policies he was presenting to Nigerians. He said: “They told me to cut my hair before running for president because of my mohawk hairstyle.”
He explained that critics believed his hairstyle was unsuitable for someone seeking the country’s highest office. However, Sowore rejected the criticism, insisting that the hairstyle was not a political statement or fashion trend.
According to him, he has worn his hair that way all his life and considers it a natural part of his identity. The activist also spoke about the criticism he received for wearing cowrie shells, which some people allegedly described as inappropriate or even “devilish.”
Sowore argued that such views stem from a misunderstanding of African history and culture. He explained that cowrie shells once served as a legitimate form of currency in many African societies and remain an important cultural symbol.
He stated that one of the challenges facing African societies is the tendency to reject indigenous culture while embracing foreign influences without question.
Sowore maintained that leadership should be judged by competence, ideas, and integrity rather than appearance, hairstyle, or cultural expression….Read_More…