Peter Obi Condemns Sowore’s Remand In Kuje Prison, Warns Against Threats To Democratic Freedoms
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the remand of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the development as a troubling signal for Nigeria’s democratic process.
The reaction followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering Sowore’s remand pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi expressed concern over what he described as a growing perception of state institutions being used to suppress dissenting voices and restrict civic engagement.
According to him, democratic governance should be built on the protection of constitutional freedoms rather than the silencing of criticism.
“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.
“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.
He maintained that democracy thrives when citizens are allowed to freely express opinions and participate in public discourse without fear.
“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 added.
Obi also cautioned that actions perceived as limiting civic space could further weaken public trust in institutions, especially at a time when Nigerians are already dealing with security concerns and economic challenges.
He urged stakeholders within the justice system to remain mindful of the broader implications of their actions.
“Moreover, 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.
The former presidential candidate warned against treating activists, critics and journalists as adversaries of the state, stressing that accountability and constructive criticism remain important pillars of democratic governance.
“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 concluded by calling for strict adherence to constitutional safeguards and due process, insisting that democratic institutions must remain strong and credible.
“We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all,” he said.
