By Lawrence Zongo
The African Action Congress (AAC), Plateau State Chapter, has strongly condemned the revocation of bail granted to its National Leader and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the action as a troubling development that raises concerns about freedom of expression, civic participation, and the independence of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party argued that the decision to revoke Sowore’s bail reinforces fears that outspoken critics of government policies and public officials are increasingly facing legal and political pressures for exercising their constitutional rights.
The Plateau State Chairman of AAC, Comrade Prince M. Ayuba, maintained that Sowore’s persistent calls for transparency, accountability, social justice, and good governance have made him a prominent voice in Nigeria’s democratic space. He argued that rather than being protected for exercising his right to free expression, Sowore has repeatedly faced actions that many observers perceive as attempts to silence dissenting opinions.
According to the party, the revocation of bail sends a discouraging signal to citizens who seek to engage in peaceful criticism of government actions and advocate for reforms. AAC warned that such developments could erode public confidence in the justice system and undermine constitutional guarantees of free speech and political participation.
The party further asserted that Sowore’s continued encounters with law enforcement and judicial processes reflect a broader pattern of political persecution directed at opposition figures and activists who challenge the status quo. AAC stressed that democratic societies flourish when citizens can freely express their views, organize peacefully, and hold leaders accountable without fear of intimidation or reprisals.
“Sowore has consistently used lawful and peaceful means to advocate for the rights of ordinary Nigerians and to demand accountability from those in power,” the statement noted. “Attempts to restrict or punish such advocacy risk weakening democratic institutions and shrinking civic space.”
AAC called on the judiciary and relevant authorities to uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality, and due process in handling matters involving Sowore and other activists. The party emphasized that the rule of law should serve as a safeguard for citizens’ rights rather than a tool that could be perceived as suppressing legitimate political opposition.
The party also urged civil society organizations, labour unions, student bodies, human rights advocates, and democracy campaigners to remain vigilant in defending constitutional freedoms, including the rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation.
Reaffirming its support for Sowore, AAC insisted that Nigeria’s democracy can only advance when institutions operate independently, justice is administered without bias, and citizens are free to criticize government policies without facing persecution.
The party concluded by calling on Nigerians to continue demanding accountability and defending democratic principles, warning that any perceived attempt to silence critical voices threatens the foundations of a democratic society.
“A strong democracy is built on the protection of free speech, respect for the rule of law, and the ability of citizens to question authority without fear,” the statement added.
The development has renewed debates among political observers and human rights advocates regarding the state of civic freedoms and the treatment of opposition figures in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
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