By Faith Chondol
JOS, Nigeria — Moses Nzeta, the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate for the Jos North-West State Constituency in Plateau State, has condemned the detention of Nigerian activist and presidential candidate of the AAC Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as an attempt to suppress dissenting political voices.
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 24, Nzeta called for Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, arguing that the activist’s detention raises concerns about freedom of expression and political participation in Nigeria.
Sowore’s detention followed the revocation of his bail over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation linked to an August 2025 social media post in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”
According to Nzeta, Sowore has spent years campaigning for accountability, transparency, and improved governance, often criticizing government policies and public officials.
“This is not just the arrest of one man. It is an attempt to silence the conscience of the masses,” Nzeta said in the statement.
He maintained that activism and criticism of government officials should not be criminalized in a democratic society and urged authorities to respect citizens’ rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and political engagement.
Nzeta also referenced Sowore’s 2019 arrest in connection with the #RevolutionNow protests, noting that the activist has previously faced detention during politically sensitive periods.
The AAC candidate argued that the recurrence of legal actions against Sowore has fueled public debate over whether state institutions are being used to target opposition figures and government critics. He said many Nigerians view the latest detention as part of a broader effort to discourage dissent ahead of future elections.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and reaffirm our commitment to defending democratic principles and the rights of all Nigerians to freely express their views and participate in the political process without fear or intimidation,” Nzeta stated.
Neither the Nigerian government nor the Department of State Services (DSS) immediately responded to Nzeta’s allegations.
Sowore, the founder of the online news platform Sahara Reporters and a former presidential candidate of the AAC, has remained one of Nigeria’s most prominent government critics. His legal battles and arrests over the years have drawn attention from civil society organizations, political groups, and human rights advocates within and outside Nigeria.
The latest dispute comes as political parties and prospective candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, a period expected to intensify debates over governance, accountability, and the protection of civil liberties.
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