Sowore: Peter Obi warns of ‘dangerous slide toward authoritarianism’

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),  has condemned the prison remand of Omoyele Sowore, activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, branding it a “dangerous regression for our democracy.” Obi warned that treating citizen critics as threats to state survival rather than accountability partners signals a worrying slide toward authoritarianism in Nigeria.

 

The opposition leader’s sharp reaction followed a ruling on Monday by Mohammed Umar Justice of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who ordered Sowore to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The remand stems from a prosecution spearheaded by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that Sowore defamed President Bola Tinubu by calling him “a criminal” in a social media post.  Umar Justice ordered the activist held pending the hearing of an application to stay the execution of a prior order that revoked his bail.

 

In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep concern over what he perceives as a growing pattern of using official powers to systematically suppress critical voices and shrink the country’s civic space.

 

“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.

 

The opposition leader argued that a thriving democracy cannot survive on the silencing of opposing voices. Instead, it must be firmly anchored on the robust protection of fundamental human rights, particularly the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Obi further noted that Nigeria’s pressing challenges which range from severe economic hardship to widespread insecurity demand inclusive dialogue and nation-building rather than the tactical intimidation of citizen critics. He warned that the state’s actions would only serve to inflame an already strained national atmosphere.

Urging federal authorities and the courts to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law, Obi demanded that Sowore’s constitutional rights be fully protected. He concluded by warning that Nigeria cannot build a stable, prosperous future if the very democratic structures designed to protect citizens are continually undermined by the state.