Nigerian activist and 2027 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined a pro-Palestinian protest in New York on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly.
Sowore disclosed his participation in a post on his official X account on Friday, saying he joined demonstrators calling for an end to the war in Gaza and expressing support for Palestinians. His participation was also reported by Nigerian media outlets.
“Yes, today in New York, I joined the Free Palestine protest. No justice, no peace! #FreePalestine!”
Sowore said he condemned what he described as genocide in Gaza and said his participation was intended to express solidarity with Palestinians.
“I condemn the genocide being committed by the state of Israel in Gaza.”
He added:
“I joined to make it clear that Nigerians stand for justice and human rights for Palestinians.”
The protest took place as Netanyahu delivered his address at the 81st UN General Assembly, with demonstrations held around New York over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and US support for Israel.
Inside the UN General Assembly hall, dozens of delegations walked out as Netanyahu began his speech. The Israeli Prime Minister responded by challenging those who remained to leave as well.
Outside the UN headquarters, protesters staged a sit-in on First Avenue. Jewish Voice for Peace, which organised one of the demonstrations, said hundreds of Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian and Lebanese New Yorkers participated in the action.
The demonstrations also involved several public figures and political candidates. Reuters reported that at least 30 people were arrested, including actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, as well as political candidates and elected officials.
Jewish Voice for Peace later said 104 New Yorkers were arrested during its demonstration. Separately, Al Jazeera reported that the number of arrests across the protests had risen to more than 100, citing a New York police source.
Sowore’s participation comes as he prepares for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election while continuing his public activism on political and human rights issues.
The Gaza conflict has generated sustained international protests and competing positions over Israel’s military operations, Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack and hostage-taking, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel rejects allegations that it is committing genocide and says its military campaign is directed against Hamas.
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