The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised the remand of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the development as a serious setback for Nigeria’s democracy and warning against actions capable of silencing opposing voices.
According to Zoyols Blog, Obi reacted after a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, ordered Sowore’s remand while considering his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier ruling that revoked his bail. The court also dismissed an application requesting the judge to step aside from the case over allegations of bias.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi said the court’s decision raised concerns about the shrinking space for civic participation and freedom of expression in the country.
He described Sowore’s imprisonment as a disturbing development, stressing that although the judiciary remains the final authority on legal matters, every effort must be made to prevent any perception that public institutions are being used to suppress dissent, intimidate the media or restrict lawful civic engagement.
Obi maintained that democracy thrives when citizens are free to express their views without fear, noting that constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, must be protected at all times.
He further warned that applying undue pressure on activists, journalists and critics of government could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions, especially at a period when Nigerians are already grappling with insecurity and severe economic challenges.
According to him, authorities, including the courts, should act in ways that reduce tension rather than deepen existing national concerns. He argued that critics should not be viewed as enemies of the state but as important contributors to accountability and good governance.
Obi also cautioned that treating activists and journalists as threats to national stability sends the wrong signal and could push the country towards authoritarianism.
He urged the authorities to uphold due process and remain committed to constitutional safeguards, insisting that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful democratic progress by undermining the institutions established to protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
That the Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project also faulted Sowore’s detention, maintaining that he was being punished for peacefully exercising his fundamental rights as public debate continues over judicial independence and the state of civic freedoms in Nigeria.
