Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), has criticised the remand of Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Obi made his position known in a post on X on Tuesday.
On Monday, Mohammed Umar, judge of the federal high court in Abuja, ordered Sowore’s remand pending the hearing of an application challenging the revocation of his bail.
‘Deeply concerned’
Obi said the court’s decision worries him.
He urged state institutions to protect democratic freedoms.
“I have received, with deep concern, the news of the court’s remand of citizen activist Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison,” he said.
“We must guard against actions that appear to stifle dissent, muzzle the press, or shrink civic space.”
‘Democracy needs free expression’
Furthermore, Obi said democracy depends on free expression.
He said citizens must enjoy their constitutional rights.
“A thriving democracy does not survive on the silencing of opposing voices,” he said.
“It survives when governments protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
Warns against authoritarianism
Meanwhile, Obi warned against treating activists and journalists as enemies.
He said governments should see critics as partners in accountability.
“When we treat critics, activists, and journalists as threats to the state, we encourage authoritarianism,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria needs dialogue, not repression.
“Our economic and security challenges require inclusive dialogue and nation-building, not the incarceration of those who demand a better society.”
Calls for rule of law
In addition, Obi urged authorities to follow due process.
He also called for the protection of Sowore’s rights.
“I urge the relevant authorities to respect the rule of law and protect Mr. Sowore’s constitutional rights,” he said.
“We cannot build a New Nigeria while undermining the institutions meant to protect democracy.”
