Nigeria Democractic Party (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the remand of activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in Kuje Prison as a dangerous regression for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement on Tuesday, Obi warned against the alleged use of state institutions to suppress dissent and civic engagement.
He said he received the news of Sowore’s remand with deep concern, stressing that democracy thrives on the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“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 warned that treating critics, activists and journalists as threats to the state rather than partners in promoting accountability could push the country towards authoritarianism.
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“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 stated.
According to him, Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges require inclusive dialogue and national cohesion rather than the incarceration of citizens demanding a better society.
“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 added.
Obi also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law is strictly adhered to and that Sowore’s constitutional rights are fully protected.
“I urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law is strictly adhered to, that Mr. Sowore’s constitutional rights are fully protected, and that our security and judicial institutions are used solely for the impartial administration of justice,” he said.
He further maintained that Nigeria cannot build a new and prosperous nation by undermining democratic institutions and principles designed to protect citizens’ rights.
It will be recalled that Sowore was remanded in Kuje Prison following proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
