The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of weaponising state institutions to stifle the press and muzzle dissent in the country.

Mr Obi stated this in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to the arrest and subsequent incarceration of the human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in Kuje correctional facility.

The politician stated, “I have received, with deep concern, the news of the court’s remand of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore in Kuje prison.

“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.”

Justice Mohammed Umar of the federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Monday, ordered Mr Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, to be kept in prison pending the hearing and determination of his motion for a stay of the order for revoking bail and bench warrant.

The State Security Service  is prosecuting Mr Sowore for allegedly making false claims against the person of Mr Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post on X and Facebook.

Mr Obi noted that democracy should be about protection of fundamental human rights amid insecurity and other challenges, warning the courts against taking steps capable of inflaming the country.

“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. 

“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,” the NDC chieftain added.

Noting that the country’s multilayered challenges required inclusive dialogue and cohesive nation-building, not the incarceration of those who demand a better society, Mr Obi urged relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect Mr Sowore’s fundamental human rights.

“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.

“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,” the politician said.