‘Dangerous Regression for Democracy’ – Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Sowore’s Remand in Kuje Prison

• Peter Obi has condemned the remand of activist Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison, describing it as a dangerous setback for democracy and warning against the use of state institutions to suppress dissent and civic freedoms in Nigeria.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised the remand of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre, calling it a “dangerous regression for democracy.”

Obi’s reaction followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand pending the hearing of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep concern over the development, warning that it creates the impression that state institutions are being used to suppress dissent and limit civic engagement.

“A thriving democracy does not survive on the silencing of opposing voices; rather, it is anchored on the robust protection of fundamental human rights,” Obi said.

The former presidential candidate stressed that democracy can only flourish when citizens are free to express their opinions and peacefully hold authorities accountable.

He further warned that treating critics, activists, and journalists as enemies of the state could push the country 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 stated.

Obi also noted that Nigeria is already grappling with insecurity and economic hardship, cautioning that actions perceived as suppressing civic freedoms could further erode public trust in state institutions.

He urged authorities and the judiciary to uphold constitutional rights and due process, insisting that democratic institutions must be strengthened rather than weakened.

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

Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also criticised Sowore’s detention, arguing that the activist was being held for peacefully exercising his fundamental rights, as concerns continue to grow over judicial independence and civic freedoms in Nigeria.