Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has voiced concern over the detention of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
KanyiDaily recalls that a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered that Sowore be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing of his application challenging the withdrawal of his bail.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi warned against any action that could create the impression that government institutions are being used to silence critics or limit civic freedoms.
He described Sowore’s remand as a worrying development for Nigeria’s democracy and cautioned against the increasing use of state institutions to suppress opposing views.
He wrote, “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.”
According to him, democratic societies flourish when citizens are free to express their opinions and participate in public affairs without fear of intimidation.
He argued that protecting constitutional rights, especially freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, is essential to sustaining democracy.
“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 said.
The former Anambra State governor warned that treating activists, journalists and government critics as enemies of the state could push the country toward authoritarian rule.
“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.
“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.”
Peter Obi called on relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that Sowore’s constitutional rights are fully protected.
He also urged judicial and security institutions to remain impartial in carrying out their responsibilities.
“We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all,” Obi said.
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