The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of charges against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing his prosecution as a dangerous assault on freedom of expression and democratic opposition in Nigeria.
The organisation urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to end what it termed the persecution and intimidation of critics, insisting that democratic governance cannot thrive where dissenting voices are subjected to criminal prosecution.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, SERAP argued that the charges against Sowore are baseless and inconsistent with both Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and its international human rights obligations.
The rights group cited the position of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the independent body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
According to SERAP, the committee had unequivocally stated in its General Comment No. 34 on freedom of expression that public officials are not immune from criticism.
“The mere fact that forms of expression are considered to be insulting to a public figure is not sufficient to justify the imposition of penalties. Moreover, all public figures are legitimately subject to criticism and political opposition,” the statement quoted.
SERAP maintained that Nigeria, as a state party to the ICCPR, is under a binding obligation to uphold the right of citizens to freely express opinions and criticise those in authority without the threat of criminal sanctions, intimidation or arbitrary detention.
The organisation further called on the Federal Government to immediately halt what it described as the continued harassment and prosecution of government critics.
“The Nigerian authorities must end the harassment and unjust prosecution of critics and ensure that everyone can freely exercise their right to freedom of expression without fear of intimidation, retaliation or arbitrary detention,” SERAP stated.
The latest intervention comes amid mounting concerns among human rights advocates and civil society groups over the implications of Sowore’s trial for civil liberties and democratic freedoms in the country.
Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, is facing charges instituted by the Department of State Services following remarks in which he allegedly referred to President Tinubu as “a criminal.”
The case has generated intense public debate, with supporters arguing that the prosecution represents an attempt to criminalise political criticism, while authorities insist that the matter is being handled within the confines of the law.
On June 16, Justice Muhammad Umar revoked Sowore’s bail after the activist failed to appear in court for the continuation of proceedings, a development that further heightened concerns among rights organisations and pro-democracy campaigners.
Observers say the outcome of the case could become a defining test of Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional freedoms, particularly the right to free speech and political dissent in a democratic society.
SERAP insisted that democracy flourishes only when citizens can openly challenge those in power without fear of persecution, urging the Tinubu administration to demonstrate fidelity to democratic principles by discontinuing the case against Sowore and safeguarding the civic space for all Nigerians.
The organisation’s position mirrors growing calls from local and international human rights groups demanding stronger protections for free expression and greater respect for constitutional liberties in Africa’s largest democracy.