On 19 October 2024, [Omoyele Sowore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omoyele_Sowore), the presidential candidate of the [African Action Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Action_Congress), confronted a lawyer inside the High Court in Abuja after the lawyer allegedly referred to him as a “tout”. The confrontation was recorded and quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread public attention.
Sowore, a former activist and founder of the online news outlet Sahara Reporters, has previously faced legal battles and detention over his political activities. His bid for the presidency this election cycle has positioned him as a vocal critic of the current administration, and he frequently appears in the media to articulate his party’s reform agenda.
The African Action Congress, a relatively new political formation, campaigns on anti‑corruption, youth empowerment and electoral reforms. Its leader’s confrontations with legal professionals are seen by supporters as evidence of the entrenched resistance he faces from established institutions.
During the court session, the unnamed lawyer reportedly called Sowore a “tout”, a term that in Nigerian parlance suggests a dishonest or unscrupulous individual. Sowore reacted immediately, demanding the lawyer withdraw the insult and questioning why he was being labeled in such a manner. The exchange was captured on video, which later went viral, prompting a flood of comments and shares online.
"You are very disrespectful. You have no right to call me a tout. You have to withdraw that. I did not insult you. Why would you call me a tout? What have I done to you? You have to withdraw that insult!" Sowore exclaimed, his voice rising as he challenged the lawyer’s authority.
The clip was subsequently posted on Instagram by the account @lindaikejiblogofficial, where it amassed thousands of views within hours. The post highlighted the lawyer’s alleged remark and Sowore’s demand for an apology, further amplifying the incident’s reach.
Legal experts note that calling a public figure a “tout” could be construed as defamatory under Nigerian law, potentially exposing the lawyer to a civil suit. However, no formal complaint has been lodged as of the time of writing, and the matter remains a subject of public debate.
The episode underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the upcoming elections, with candidates and their supporters increasingly resorting to public confrontations to shape narratives and rally support.