The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has condemned the remand of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the development as a dangerous setback for democracy and a threat to civic freedoms in Nigeria.
Obi, in a statement released on Tuesday, expressed concern over the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja to remand Sowore pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail. He said the development raises serious questions about the protection of fundamental rights and the growing use of state institutions against dissenting voices.
According to Obi, democracy thrives on the protection of citizens’ rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, warning that silencing critics and activists could weaken democratic governance. He stressed that opposing views should not be treated as threats but as contributions to accountability and nation-building.
The former Anambra State governor also noted that Nigeria is already grappling with economic hardship and insecurity, cautioning that actions perceived as suppressing civic space could further erode public confidence in government institutions. He urged authorities, including the judiciary, to take steps that would not inflame existing tensions in the country.
Obi called on relevant authorities to uphold constitutional safeguards, respect due process and protect the independence of democratic institutions. He maintained that Nigeria’s democratic progress depends on safeguarding citizens’ rights and ensuring that activists, journalists and government critics are allowed to operate freely within the law.
