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 threat to democratic values and civic freedoms in Nigeria.
Obi’s reaction followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand pending the hearing of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail. The court also rejected an application requesting the judge’s withdrawal from the case over alleged bias.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend that could erode democratic freedoms if left unchecked.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Obi stressed that democracy thrives on the protection of fundamental rights and not the suppression of opposing views.
“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,” Obi added.
He warned that increasing pressure on civic space could worsen public distrust in state institutions, particularly amid ongoing economic hardship and security challenges.
“Moreover, 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 said.
The former Anambra governor also cautioned against treating activists, journalists and critics of government as enemies of the state.
“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 stated.
He urged authorities to uphold constitutional safeguards and due process, insisting that democratic institutions must be strengthened rather than weakened.
“We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all,” he said.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project also criticised Sowore’s detention, arguing that he is being held for peacefully exercising his rights, as debates continue over judicial independence and the state of civic freedoms in Nigeria.
