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The 2027 presidential candidate said he joined demonstrators calling for an end to the war in Gaza as protests coincided with Netanyahu’s UN address.
Nigerian activist and 2027 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York, where protesters gathered ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Sowore disclosed his participation in a post on his official X account on Friday, saying he joined demonstrators to express support for Palestinians and call for justice and human rights.
“Yes, today in New York, I joined the Free Palestine protest. No justice, no peace! #FreePalestine!” Sowore wrote.
He also condemned Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, describing it as genocide, and said his participation was intended to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians.
“I joined to make it clear that Nigerians stand for justice and human rights for Palestinians,” he said.
Sowore’s comments represent his stated political position on the conflict and should be distinguished from independently established findings about the legal or political characterisation of the war.
Protest Coincided With Netanyahu’s UN Address
The demonstration took place on Thursday, September 24, as Netanyahu addressed the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Several demonstrations were held in the city in connection with Netanyahu’s appearance at the United Nations.
The Guardian reported that hundreds of people gathered outside the UN headquarters, with protesters blocking traffic and calling for an end to the war in Gaza.
Reuters reported that approximately 200 people took part in one demonstration organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, with protesters calling for an end to US support for Israel’s military and displaying messages including “Free Palestine.”
A separate report from Al Jazeera said more than 100 people were arrested across the demonstrations, although Reuters initially reported at least 30 arrests. The different figures reflect different reporting times and counts during the protests.
Sowore’s Position On Gaza
Sowore has previously used his public platforms to comment on international human rights issues, and his latest participation places him among the demonstrators who used Netanyahu’s UN appearance to draw attention to the situation in Gaza.
In his statement, the former presidential candidate framed his participation around Palestinian rights and opposition to the Israeli military campaign.
His reference to “genocide” is a political and legal characterisation that remains contested. Israel has rejected allegations that it is committing genocide and maintains that its military campaign is directed against Hamas.
The International Court of Justice has been considering a genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel. The proceedings are separate from Sowore’s political statements and do not amount to a final determination of the allegations.
Demonstrators Confront Netanyahu’s UN Appearance
The New York demonstrations included activists, elected officials, political candidates, celebrities and members of Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian and Lebanese communities.
The Guardian reported that protesters gathered outside the UN before Netanyahu’s speech, with some sitting in the road and police subsequently moving to make arrests.
Reuters reported that those arrested included actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, as well as political candidates and a New York City council member.
Jewish Voice for Peace, which organised one of the demonstrations, said hundreds of people participated in the action outside the UN. The organisation said more than 100 people were arrested during the protest.
The New York Police Department had not initially provided a final total when some of the early reports were published.
Netanyahu Defends Israel’s Actions
Inside the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions during his address.
His appearance was accompanied by protests outside the UN and walkouts by some delegations inside the General Assembly Hall. Reuters reported that Netanyahu used the speech to defend Israel’s military campaign and respond to growing international criticism.
The protests reflected the continuing international controversy surrounding the Gaza conflict, including disagreements over Israel’s military operations, civilian casualties, humanitarian conditions and international military support.
Sowore’s participation adds a Nigerian political voice to the demonstrations.
Sowore And The 2027 Election
Sowore is preparing to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, making his international advocacy part of his broader public political profile.
His participation in the New York demonstration occurred during the same period that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s delegation was participating in the 81st UN General Assembly.
The development therefore places two Nigerian political figures at the centre of separate activities surrounding the UN gathering: Tinubu’s administration has used the assembly to advance Nigeria’s positions on global governance, Security Council reform, climate action, development financing and international security, while Sowore has publicly participated in demonstrations focused on the Gaza conflict.
Sowore’s latest intervention remains his own stated political position on the conflict and does not represent the Nigerian government’s official position.
The New York protest also illustrates how the Gaza conflict continues to feature prominently in international political discourse, including during major diplomatic gatherings such as the UN General Assembly.
For Sowore, the demonstration provided an opportunity to publicly express solidarity with Palestinians and connect his activism to his broader emphasis on human rights.
