The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has made N37.6 million ($103,045) in campaign donations from his GoFundMe fundraiser for the 2019 presidential election.
Sowore set up the account on March 13, 2018 to raise $2 million for his presidential campaign on the platform of his new party. Even though the account was suspended a day later, he regained control of it and has now raised the sum of $103,045 (as at November 30, 2018).
While speaking during an interview on Arise News Television on Thursday, November 29, the candidate said his campaign has raised N73 million in total.
When quizzed on what he would do if he runs out of money, he said he has more than just monetary support from Nigerians. He said:
“Running short of money is not the same as running out of support. To break it down, apart from the cash, people are also making kind donations; they’re donating apartments, cars for branding for us. People are taking over.
“We have a process where individuals can also support ward chairmen, campaigners and people who are canvassers directly without getting through us.
“We had someone who donated over 15 megaphones to us from New York and these are ways through which you can support.”
The candidate also disclosed that he needs around N400 million to run a successful campaign and get elected as Nigeria’s next president.
“We hope that more Nigerians will come out because we need about N400 million more.”
The fundraising campaign of the Sahara Reporters founder is one of the most well-publicised this election season, especially in a climate where election funding is usually shrouded in mystery.
