Obi Condemns Sowore’s Remand Over Free-Speech Concerns

Peter Obi on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, condemned the remand of activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the development as a dangerous regression in Nigeria’s democracy and calling for his immediate release.

Sowore had appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, where a remand order was issued against him. The order followed earlier bench warrant proceedings and came despite Sowore’s prominent role in the June 12 nationwide protests, where he demanded that President Tinubu rescue the Oyo school abduction victims within 24 hours or resign from office.

Obi Frames Remand as Democratic Threat

Obi said jailing an opposition politician and civil society activist for exercising his constitutional right to political expression and peaceful protest sent a chilling message to Nigerians who wanted to hold their government accountable. He called on the judiciary to ensure that the law was applied consistently and without political bias in cases involving activists and critics of the government.

Sowore had publicly declared before his court appearance that he was prepared for any legal outcome and had even said he had packed his bag for prison. His supporters launched an immediate social media campaign after the remand order was confirmed, demanding his release and describing the action as political persecution.

Civil Society Voices Alarm

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project joined Obi in condemning the remand, with SERAP executive director Kolawole Oluwadare saying the imprisonment of a political opposition figure for participating in legitimate protest activity raised serious constitutional concerns. Furthermore, civil liberties groups noted that the remand came in the same week that the federal government also faced calls to investigate the conduct of police officers who fired teargas at Democracy Day protesters in Abuja. Still, government officials maintained that all legal proceedings against Sowore were based on legitimate charges unrelated to his protest activities. Notably, Sowore’s case has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about the shrinking space for dissent and protest in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Consequently, his remand is being closely watched by domestic and international human rights organisations.