₦airaland Forum

Sowore lied that Obi ignored him while he was in detention.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has warned against treating critics, activists and journalists as threats to the state, following the remand of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison.

Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, expressed concern over the development, saying democratic institutions must not be used in ways that could undermine civic freedoms and public participation.

The former Anambra State governor said he received news of Sowore’s remand “with deep concern,” stressing that while the judiciary remains responsible for dispensing justice, authorities must guard against actions that create the impression of suppressing dissent.

“While the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of justice, we must consistently guard against any trend that gives the appearance of state institutions being weaponised to systematically stifle dissent, muzzle the press, or shrink the legitimate space for civic engagement in Nigeria,” Obi said.

He argued that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly remain fundamental pillars of democracy and should be protected at all times.

“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.

Obi noted that Nigeria is already grappling with insecurity and economic hardship, warning that actions capable of escalating tensions should be avoided.

“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,” he said.

The presidential candidate maintained that critics and civil society actors should be viewed as contributors to accountability and democratic development rather than adversaries of government.

“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,” Obi warned.
According to him, Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges require “inclusive dialogue and cohesive nation-building,” rather than the incarceration of individuals calling for reforms and improved governance.

He urged relevant authorities to ensure that Sowore’s constitutional rights are protected and that the rule of law is strictly observed throughout the legal process.

“I urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law is strictly adhered to, that Mr. Sowore’s constitutional rights are fully protected, and that our security and judicial institutions are used solely for the impartial administration of justice,” Obi said.

He added that democratic institutions must be strengthened if the country hopes to achieve meaningful progress, stating, “We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/06/sowores-detention-peter-obi-warns-against-treating-critics-journalists-as-threats/

That content creator is doing notice me on the national stage

Sowore is APC's/Tinubu’s boy. He was their utility player during the times they were after GEJ.

We have said it countless times, Sowore is working for Tinubu. Let's not forget that Sowore was the propaganda machine used by APC to dislodge Goodluck Jonathan.

Saturnalia:
I have no issue with Sowore but me and my people will rather vote for the Devil we know than the Angel Michael of Agulu that is busy making empty promises.

I will never empower an Okija shrine bandit whose kinsmen have been calling my ancestral land a “No Mans Land” to usurp & annex my heritage.

Fear of Igbos … spit it loud .. no Dey rigmarole..

Yoruba man

Elusive001:
Sowore is APC's/Tinubu’s boy. He was their utility player during the times they were after GEJ.

You can say that again

Saturnalia:
I have no issue with Sowore but me and my people will rather vote for the Devil we know than the Angel Michael of Agulu that is busy making empty promises.

I will never empower an Okija shrine bandit whose kinsmen have been calling my ancestral land a “No Mans Land” to usurp & annex my heritage.

The last time he won,nobody needed your vote,left for the outright denial and the so called 'IREV glitches',he will still win resoundingly because sane Nigerians are all tired of this calamitous government.With your slave mentality,you may be okay with the little stipends paid to you as a data boy but other people wish to earn a decent legitimate living under an honest leadership.

AustineE1:
Surprisingly you voted for Buhari,the same people that collected Kwara state and converted it to a Fulani state but you can not vote for a man whom according to you,his people allegedly said that Lagos is a 'no man's land'.....Olodo uprising,the joke is on you!

Na by force to vote for Obi?

E be like say you don dey ment.....

AustineE1:
....Continue dey fry akara!

Yea, there is dignity in labour.

As if your useless obi has anything to offer.

We saw how he turned Anambra to eldorado.

tunjijones:
Yea, there is dignity in labour.

As if your useless obi has anything to offer.

We saw how he turned Anambra to eldorado.

Dignity in labour as a data boy,tell me something else.

AustineE1:
Dignity in labour as a data boy,tell me something else.

Yes please.

Whatever you find yourself doing, do it well.

Obi is the trending machine. Do you want to trend then mentione the name Obi and then you will be on your way up and down again because you wrong the righteous person.


Every person will surely pay for all the wrong things they do against the righteous man.

tunjijones:
Yes please.

Whatever you find yourself doing, do it well.

Screwed mentality,if you are into snatching electoral boxes,snatch well!

When dem pepper you guys with facts you start insulting parents.

Na wa for una sef

tunjijones:
Yes sir.

But it's your fada that has screwed mentality sir.

Even If He Did, What Will Now Happen,
Sowore Has Become a Nuisance

Peter Obi is always ten steps ahead of them h8ters.

Saturnalia:
I have no issue with Sowore but me and my people will rather vote for the Devil we know than the Angel Michael of Agulu that is busy making empty promises.

I will never empower an Okija shrine bandit whose kinsmen have been calling my ancestral land a “No Mans Land” to usurp & annex my heritage.

Talk anoda shit cos you’re boring

Weda he react or not....NO VACANCY FOR GBAJUE IN ASO ROCK

Macphenson:
We have said it countless times, Sowore is working for Tinubu. Let's not forget that Sowore was the propaganda machine used by APC to dislodge Goodluck Jonathan.

He has been exposed to Tinubu since during the Abiola/Abacha/NADECO days.

Why anyone would ever think he will suddenly go against BAT now that he is President and can benefit him the most is completely beyond me.

Saturnalia:
I have no issue with Sowore but me and my people will rather vote for the Devil we know than the Angel Michael of Agulu that is busy making empty promises.

I will never empower an Okija shrine bandit whose kinsmen have been calling my ancestral land a “No Mans Land” to usurp & annex my heritage.

One plot you don't have in Lagos!

Peter Obi owes no one any explanation. Sowore is controlled opposition just like VDM, so he shouldn't waste his precious time, energy and resources responding to people who said he should have said something.

I am surprised Obi didn't ignore the hooligan that uses every opportunity to discredit and abuse him. Sowore works for APC.

Only fools believe sowore is a human rights activists. Believe me, if sowore is not working for Tinubu they would have locked him up since two years ago. His game is just to distract Nigerians into believing he is against APC gunment.

He can't even hide his hate to Peter Obi because he knows he is a big obstacle to Tinubu

Sowore is obsessed with Obi’s matter.
He definitely is jealous and bitter about Obi. Maybe he was not able to read newspapers while he was detained, otherwise he would have read Obi’s comment the day after he was detained.

Sowore is an actor looking for attention. Unfortunately for him, Obi is beyond his pay grade.

If Obi was corrupt, imagine what Sahara Reporters and Premium times would have done with his image?