2027: NANS Backs DSS Over Suspension Of Sowore’s Prosecution

‎The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has backed the decision of the Department of State Services (DSS) to suspend the prosecution of the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election.

‎‎NANS National President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye, stated this on Monday, during a press briefing in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

‎He described the decision as a prudent step capable of strengthening confidence in the electoral process and ensuring a level playing field for all presidential candidates.

‎Akinteye said the suspension was a demonstration of respect for democracy, fairness, due process and the rule of law, arguing that no presidential candidate should be subjected to circumstances capable of creating an actual or perceived disadvantage during an election.

‎He maintained that the DSS had acted within its powers, noting that the agency could not direct the judiciary on how to conduct proceedings after a case had been brought before the court.

‎The NANS president argued that continuing the prosecution during the election campaign could distract Sowore and potentially undermine the perception of fairness in the contest.

‎He said the decision to suspend the trial was consistent with international democratic practice, particularly the principle that political candidates should be allowed to participate in elections without undue institutional pressure.

He said “The DSS has done what is necessary because the DSS does not have the power to tell the judiciary how to do their work. They have taken the case to court. They are prosecutors; they are not the judiciary that will determine how the process should be.

‎“Not to disturb Sowore or make him be distracted in the process of the election, the DSS has done what is right according to international practice by suspending the trial until after the presidential election.”

‎He dismissed suggestions that the suspension amounted to dropping the charges, explaining that the Federal Government remained at liberty to determine the future of the case after the election.

‎According to him, “After the election, it is in their power to decide what they want to do,” stressing that the suspension was not an attempt to place Sowore above the law.

‎Akinteye said NANS welcomed the development because Sowore, as a presidential candidate, deserved an opportunity to participate in the electoral process without being unnecessarily distracted by criminal proceedings.

‎“We welcome the decision of the DSS to suspend the prosecution because Sowore is a presidential candidate and that prosecution will cause distraction,” he said.

‎He also commended the DSS for what he described as institutional restraint and adherence to the rule of law, urging security institutions to maintain professionalism and impartiality as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

‎The student body called on the Federal Government, security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders to support an electoral environment where all presidential candidates can campaign freely and Nigerians can make their choices without fear, favour or undue institutional influence.

‎NANS said the success of the 2027 election would depend largely on the neutrality of institutions, respect for democratic rights and the ability of Nigerians to freely determine their political future through the ballot.