Peter Obi warns against treating critics and journalists as threats amid Sowore’s detention.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), cautioned that critics, activists, and journalists should not be viewed as threats to the state after activist and politician Omoyele Sowore was remanded into Kuje Prison.

In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Obi voiced concern about the development, insisting that democratic institutions should not be employed in ways that erode civic freedoms and public participation.

The former Anambra State governor said he received news of Sowore’s remand with deep concern, emphasizing that although the judiciary is responsible for dispensing justice, authorities must avoid actions that give the impression of suppressing dissent.

Obi added that while the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of justice, there must be a consistent effort to prevent any trend that makes state institutions appear weaponised to systematically stifle dissent, silence the press, or reduce the legitimate space for civic engagement in Nigeria.

He argued that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental pillars of democracy that must be protected at all times.

He stated that a thriving democracy does not survive by silencing opposing voices; instead, it relies on the robust protection of fundamental human rights, especially the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in our Constitution.

Obi noted that Nigeria is already grappling with insecurity and economic hardship, warning that actions that could heighten tensions should be avoided.

He said that because society is already strained by insecurity and acute economic hardship, even courts should take deliberate steps to avoid inflaming the situation.

The presidential candidate maintained that critics and civil society actors should be seen as contributors to accountability and democratic development, not adversaries of the government.

Obi warned that treating citizen critics, activists, and journalists as threats to state survival, rather than partners in building accountability, signals a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.

According to him, Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges demand inclusive dialogue and cohesive nation-building, not the incarceration