Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has sought the immediate and unconditional release of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, following his arrest and remand.
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, on Monday, remanded Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Center pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail. He also dismissed Sowore’s application seeking the judge’s recusal over alleged bias and adjourned proceedings on the motion for stay of execution until June 24.
Frank, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, described the arrest as a setback for democratic values and alleged that it was aimed at intimidating opposition figures and critics of the government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The activist noted that Nigeria’s democracy guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression and criticism of government policies.
Frank said, “Sowore has merely exercised his constitutional right to speak on issues affecting Nigerians. If the government disagrees with his views, it should respond through engagement and governance, not intimidation.”
According to him, the concerns raised by critics about insecurity, economic hardship, and governance reflect the realities faced by many Nigerians and should not warrant punitive action.
He maintained that security agencies should focus more on addressing the country’s security challenges, particularly the activities of bandits and terrorists, rather than pursuing political critics.
He further charged the judiciary to remain impartial and avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
The activist called on the international community to monitor developments in Nigeria’s democratic space, expressing concern over what he described as growing intolerance for dissenting views.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador charged security agencies to remain professional and non-partisan and renewed his call for Sowore’s release.
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