Peter Obi condemns Sowore remand, calling it dangerous for democracy and warning against rising threats to civic freedoms and dissent in Nigeria
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has condemned the remand of activist Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the development as a “dangerous regression for democracy” and warning against what he sees as the increasing use of state institutions to suppress dissent in Nigeria.
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Obi’s reaction followed a ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, where Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand pending the determination of an application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail.
The court also dismissed an application requesting the judge’s recusal over allegations of bias.
Reacting in a statement shared on Tuesday, Obi said the case reflects a troubling pattern that could weaken civic freedoms if not addressed.
“Sowore being sent to prison: A dangerous regression for democracy. I have received, with deep concern, the news of the court’s remand of citizen activist Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison,” he said.
He acknowledged the judiciary’s role as the final arbiter of justice but cautioned against actions that could be perceived as suppressing dissent or shrinking civic space.
“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.
Obi stressed that democracy must be rooted in the protection of fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“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, as enshrined in our Constitution,” he added.
He further warned that Nigeria’s ongoing economic hardship and insecurity make it even more important for institutions to act cautiously in order to avoid worsening public tension.
“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,” he said.
Obi urged authorities to strictly uphold constitutional protections and due process, insisting that democratic institutions must not be weakened.
“We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all,” he concluded.
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Human rights group Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also criticised Sowore’s detention, arguing that he was being held for peacefully exercising his rights, as debates continue over judicial independence and civic freedoms in the country.
