Sowore’s remand dangerous regression for democracy — Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised the remand of activist Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre, describing it as a “dangerous regression for democracy” and warning that it signals an increasing use of state institutions to suppress dissent in Nigeria.

Obi’s remarks followed a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja on Monday, in which Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order that revoked his bail. The court also dismissed an application seeking the judge’s recusal over allegations of bias.

In a statement posted on Tuesday, Obi said the development raises serious concerns about civic freedoms and the health of Nigeria’s democracy, cautioning against what he described as the weaponisation of public institutions against critics.

He said the trend, if unchecked, risks weakening democratic governance and shrinking the space for legitimate expression.

“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,” he said.

Obi warned that democratic systems depend on the protection of rights such as free expression and peaceful assembly, not the suppression of opposing views.

“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 stated.

He further cautioned that growing pressure on civic space could heighten public distrust in state institutions at a time of economic hardship and insecurity.

“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,” Obi added.

The former Anambra State governor also warned against treating government critics as threats to national stability, saying it could signal a drift toward authoritarianism.

“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,” he said.

Obi urged authorities to uphold constitutional safeguards and ensure due process, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic institutions must remain protected and independent.

“We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all,” he said.