The African Action Congress (AAC) called out the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the remand of its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as a dangerous sign of creeping dictatorship and political intolerance.
In a statement signed by the National Chairman of the party, Samuel Ajeigbe, the AAC condemned Sowore’s incarceration at the Kuje Correctional Centre, insisting that the action represents a direct assault on democracy, freedom of expression and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
“This is unacceptable. This is clear tyranny from the Tinubu administration,” Ajeigbe declared. “A government that uses security agencies, the courts and state institutions to hound political opponents is abandoning the path of democracy and embracing authoritarianism.”
The party’s reaction followed the decision of Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to remand Sowore pending the determination of proceedings arising from the revocation of his bail.
AAC argued that criticism of public office holders is not a crime but a constitutionally protected democratic right, warning that the prosecution of opposition figures for expressing political opinions sets a dangerous precedent for the country.
According to the party, the continued targeting of Sowore—one of Nigeria’s most prominent activists and government critics—raises serious concerns about the shrinking democratic space under the current administration.
“The message being sent to Nigerians is simple: criticise the government and risk persecution. That is not democracy. That is dictatorship,” the statement said.
The party accused the Federal Government of prioritising the suppression of dissent while millions of Nigerians grapple with worsening insecurity, economic hardship, kidnappings, banditry and rising poverty across the country.
AAC further alleged that security agencies appear increasingly preoccupied with pursuing critics of government policies instead of confronting the violent criminal networks terrorising communities nationwide.
The party maintained that democratic governments derive legitimacy from their willingness to tolerate criticism, not from their ability to silence opponents through intimidation and prosecution.
Ajeigbe warned that history has repeatedly shown that governments which weaponise state institutions against dissenting voices ultimately weaken public trust in democratic governance and undermine the rule of law.
The AAC called on President Tinubu to immediately halt what it described as the political persecution of opposition voices and ensure that democratic freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution are respected.
The party also urged Nigerians, civil society organisations, labour groups and democratic institutions to resist any attempt to criminalise dissent, warning that silence in the face of injustice could embolden further attacks on civil liberties.
“Sowore’s case is bigger than one individual. It is about the future of democracy in Nigeria. If the rights of one citizen can be trampled upon because of his political views, then the rights of all Nigerians are at risk,” the statement added.
The controversy surrounding Sowore’s remand has continued to attract widespread reactions from political observers, activists and human rights advocates, many of whom view the case as a major test of freedom of expression and democratic accountability under the Tinubu administration.