Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, describing it as “an assault on democracy” and a glaring reflection of the Tinubu administration’s “contempt for the rule of law.”
Atiku, in a statement personally signed and released on Thursday, said he was “shocked and disappointed” by Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom in Abuja, along with several other citizens who were peacefully protesting in different parts of the country.
Sowore had led the free Nnamdi Kanu protest on Monday which the police were accused of being highhanded. A number of journalists were attacked with their cameras destroyed.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer and younger brother were among those arrested and hastily arraigned at the Kuje Magistrate court before being thrown in jail at the Kuje correctional center.
Condemning the latest development, Atiku said, “I have just been informed of the arrest of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police, as well as the arrest of several other citizens who were peacefully protesting in different parts of the country.”
He said, “I am shocked and disappointed, but not surprised. Shocked that in 2025, decades after we defeated military rule, this government still treats dissent as a crime. Disappointed because those in power today once thrived on protests. But not surprised, for Bola Tinubu continues to show Nigerians exactly who he is and what he intends to be, if we allow him.”
Atiku described Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom as “a new low,” stressing that it marks a dark moment for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom is a new low — an open assault on democracy and a grave symbol of this administration’s contempt for the rule of law,” he stated.
“The arrest of other peaceful protesters across the country only deepens the stain. Protest is not a crime; it is a constitutional right.”
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore and all other persons detained in connection with the nationwide demonstrations.
“I therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and all those arrested during and after the protest,” Atiku said.
“This government must end its persistent harassment of dissenting voices.”
He further warned that continued repression of citizens’ rights could endanger the nation’s democracy.
“Democracy cannot coexist with tyranny,” Atiku concluded. “Those who fought to restore civil rule did so believing that Nigerians should never again live in fear for exercising their fundamental freedoms. This moment demands that all lovers of democracy speak up and stand firm.”
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