By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the remand of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the development as “a dangerous regression for our democracy.”
Obi’s reaction followed a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja on Monday, where Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand pending the hearing of his application for a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail. The court also dismissed an application seeking the judge’s recusal over alleged bias.
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In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep concern over what he sees as a growing trend of using state institutions to suppress dissent and shrink civic space in Nigeria.
“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 emphasised that a thriving democracy must be anchored on the protection of fundamental human rights, especially freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as enshrined in the Constitution.
“A thriving democracy does not survive on the silencing of opposing voices; rather, it is anchored on the robust protection of fundamental human rights,” he added.
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Obi warned that at a time when Nigerians are already grappling with biting economic hardship and widespread insecurity, actions that appear to suppress critics could further erode public trust in institutions and inflame tensions.
“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 stated.
He urged authorities to uphold due process and constitutional protections, stressing that Nigeria cannot build a “New Nigeria” by undermining the very democratic structures meant to safeguard citizens.
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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also criticised Sowore’s continued detention, arguing that he was being punished for peacefully exercising his rights.
The case has reignited debates about judicial independence and the shrinking civic space in the country.
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