AABy SCM Correspondent
LAGOS, Nigeria – The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the recent court-ordered remand of human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, describing it as a “dangerous regression” for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Obi’s reaction follows Monday’s ruling by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered Sowore—the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC)—to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Reacting via an official statement on Tuesday, Obi warned that using state security apparatus and judicial processes to silence critics could plunge the nation further into instability, especially amid worsening economic challenges.
While acknowledging the role of the judiciary, Obi cautioned against structural overreaches that alienate the public.
”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.
He maintained that a healthy democratic society thrives on open dialogue rather than the suppression of dissenting 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,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor further observed that the country is already highly volatile due to administrative strains and widespread poverty, advising institutions to exercise caution before escalating civil 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,” Obi noted.
“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 concluded by urging the Federal Government and regulatory bodies to respect fundamental human rights, noting that a “New Nigeria” cannot be actualized if basic democratic protections are steadily systematically eroded.
The legal battle stems from a two-count cybercrime charge leveled against Omoyele Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS). The prosecution accused the activist of cyberstalking and criminal defamation under Section 24 of the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2024, following social media posts where he allegedly labeled President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”
The trial took a dramatic turn when Justice Mohammed Umar revoked Sowore’s self-recognizance bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after the activist failed to appear for the continuation of his defense.
During the resumed sitting on Monday, Justice Umar dismissed an application filed by Sowore’s legal team requesting the judge to recuse himself from the case over allegations of bias. Following the dismissal, the court ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of a motion to stay the execution of the bail revocation. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing.
For a detailed broadcast on the court’s decision, you can view this Channels TV Report on Sowore’s Remand, which outlines the specific legal findings and the updates from the Federal High Court in Abuja.
