The Socialist Workers League (SWL) has strongly condemned the revocation of the bail granted to African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the action as a dangerous attack on democratic freedoms and political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Chairperson, Kelvin Ayemhenre, and Deputy National Secretary, Lekan Abdulazeez Soneye (LAS), the organisation demanded the immediate reversal of the court order revoking Sowore’s bail, warning that the development poses serious implications for Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.
The group urged Nigerians to view the incident as part of what it described as a broader pattern of political intimidation targeted at Sowore, whom it referred to as the presidential candidate of “the only revolutionary party” participating in the 2027 elections.
According to the SWL, the revocation of Sowore’s bail comes at a time when concerns are mounting over the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary and its ability to function without political interference.
The organisation pointed to the inauguration of a newly completed 10-unit residential quarters for Court of Appeal judges and a new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja on June 16, 2026, by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
While the Federal Government presented the projects as part of efforts to improve judicial infrastructure and welfare, the SWL alleged that the development reflected what it called a deliberate attempt by the government to exert influence over the judiciary.
“The revocation of Omoyele Sowore’s bail carries serious implications against the backdrop of the Tinubu desperation in pocketing the judiciary. It signals a growing tendency to deploy legal and institutional authority in ways that constrain dissent rather than protect democratic freedoms,” the statement said.
The organisation argued that public trust in the justice system would continue to erode if judicial institutions are perceived as serving political interests instead of safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights.
It further warned that such actions could create a climate of fear ahead of the 2027 elections, discouraging civic participation and weakening opposition voices critical to democratic governance.
According to the SWL, elections conducted under conditions where citizens doubt their freedom to participate and express political choices cannot genuinely reflect the will of the people.
The group maintained that democratic institutions risk becoming mere formal structures used to preserve the interests of the ruling political class while undermining meaningful participation by ordinary Nigerians.
Calling on citizens to remain vigilant, the organisation urged Nigerians not to be intimidated by what it described as increasing political repression and attacks on dissenting voices.
The Socialist Workers League demanded the immediate restoration of Sowore’s bail and called on authorities to halt what it termed the deployment of state institutions to silence critics and suppress democratic opposition.