Obi Faults Sowore’s Remand, Warns Of Democratic Backsliding

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 troubling setback for Nigeria’s democracy.

Obi’s reaction follows a ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday, where Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand pending the hearing of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier court order revoking his bail. The court also dismissed an application requesting the judge’s recusal over allegations of bias.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi expressed concern over what he described as an increasing tendency to use state institutions to suppress dissenting voices.

“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,” Obi said.

“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.”

The former Anambra State governor stressed that democracy thrives on the protection of fundamental freedoms and not the silencing of critics.

“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 stated.

Obi further warned that actions perceived as restricting civic freedoms could erode public confidence in democratic institutions, particularly at a time of economic hardship and insecurity.

“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.

He cautioned against viewing activists, journalists and government critics as threats rather than stakeholders in the democratic process.

“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 added.

The NDC presidential candidate called on authorities to uphold constitutional safeguards and due process, insisting that democratic institutions must remain committed to protecting citizens’ rights.

“We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also faulted Sowore’s detention, arguing that the activist was being punished for peacefully exercising his constitutional rights, amid growing concerns over judicial independence and shrinking civic space in the country.