Peter Obi Denounces Sowore’s Remand as a “Dangerous Regression” for Nigerian Democracy
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has formally condemned the remand of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Obi characterized the court’s decision as a “dangerous regression for our democracy” and issued a stern warning regarding the potential use of state institutions to suppress dissent.
Context of the Legal Action:
The controversy stems from a ruling delivered on Monday by Justice Mohammed Umar at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court ordered Sowore to be remanded in custody while it determines his application for a stay of execution concerning an earlier order that revoked his bail. Additionally, the presiding judge dismissed a separate application from Sowore’s legal team requesting the judge’s recusal from the case based on allegations of bias.
Obi’s Statement; In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep concern regarding the implications of this development for Nigeria’s political climate:
- Obi emphasized that while the judiciary serves as the ultimate arbiter, society must guard against the appearance of state institutions being weaponized to muzzle the press.
- He warned that such actions threaten to shrink the legitimate space for civic engagement and stifle dissent in the country.
- The NDC presidential candidate maintained that a healthy democracy must be anchored on the protection of fundamental human rights rather than the suppression of critical voices.
