Sowore blows hot, vows protest over NYSC extension of corps member

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed to lead a mass protest against the Federal Government and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) if the extension of service for corps member Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye, is not reversed.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Sowore blasted President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as an oppressive action against a young Nigerian for simply expressing her frustration over the country’s harsh economic realities.

“This @officialABAT Tinubu regime might go down with the Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps @officialnyscng matter. This is not acceptable, we will mobilize down to the Passing Out Parade except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance,” he wrote.

He ended the post with the hashtags: #NoRitaRayeNOPOP and #RevolutionNow.

Raye had gone viral in April 2025 after sharing a video online lamenting the hardship Nigerians face due to the economic policies of the Tinubu administration. She later claimed she was threatened by NYSC officials and asked to delete the video.

Her situation escalated when the NYSC extended her service year by two months after she appeared before a disciplinary panel in Lagos despite previously apologizing to the agency.

Sowore’s latest remarks suggest a nationwide protest is brewing, with the activist threatening to storm the NYSC Passing Out Parade if justice is not served.

The NYSC and the presidency have yet to respond to the growing public backlash.