Sowore’s Incarceration Poses Danger For Nigeria’s Democracy, Says Peter Obi
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the incarceration of renowned activist, Omoyele Sowore, warning that the development poses a threat to Nigeria's democratic values and civic freedoms.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi said he received "with deep concern" the news of a court order remanding Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, stressing that the nation's democratic institutions must not be perceived as tools for suppressing dissenting voices.
"While the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of justice, we must consistently guard against any trend that gives the appearance of state institutions being weaponised to systematically stifle dissent, muzzle the press, or shrink the legitimate space for civic engagement in Nigeria," Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor argued that democracy flourishes through the protection of fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, both of which are guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
"A thriving democracy does not survive on the silencing of opposing voices; rather, it is anchored on the robust protection of fundamental human rights, most notably the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly," he said.
Obi further cautioned that the country's prevailing economic difficulties and security challenges make it imperative for authorities to avoid actions capable of worsening tensions.
"Our society is already strained by insecurity and biting economic hardship; therefore, deliberate steps should be taken, even by the courts, to avoid inflaming the situation," he added.
The NDC presidential candidate warned against treating critics, activists and journalists as enemies of the state, saying such actions could signal a drift toward authoritarianism.
"When we begin to treat citizen critics, activists, and journalists as threats to state survival rather than as partners in building accountability, we signal a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism," Obi said.
According to him, Nigeria's numerous challenges, including economic hardship and internal security concerns, require dialogue, inclusion and collective nation-building rather than the imprisonment of individuals advocating for a better society.
"Our current challenges, ranging from economic strain to internal security vulnerabilities, require inclusive dialogue and cohesive nation-building, not the incarceration of those who demand a better society," he stated.
Obi subsequently called on the relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law and guarantee the protection of Sowore's constitutional rights.
"I urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law is strictly adhered to, that Mr. Sowore's constitutional rights are fully protected, and that our security and judicial institutions are used solely for the impartial administration of justice," he said.
He concluded by warning that Nigeria's democratic aspirations would be undermined if institutions established to safeguard citizens' rights are weakened.
"We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all," Obi declared.
Recall that Justice Muhammad Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, remanded the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Sowore, in the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The judge, in a short ruling, ordered that Sowore be kept in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his motion seeking to set aside the order revoking his bail and the bench warrant issued against him.
The matter was adjourned until June 24 for the hearing of the application.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against President Bola Tinubu in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts.