Atiku Condemns Arrest of Omoyele Sowore, Others, Calls for Immediate Release
By Passman Akpos
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and several other protesters by the Nigeria Police, describing the incident as “an open assault on democracy.”
In a statement released on Thursday, Atiku expressed shock and disappointment over the arrests, particularly Sowore’s reported detention inside a courtroom.
> “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,” Atiku 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.”
The former Vice President described Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom as “a new low” and a “grave symbol of this administration’s contempt for the rule of law.”@He further condemned the arrest of other peaceful protesters across the country, insisting that protest is a constitutional right, not a crime
> “I therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and all those arrested during and after the protest,” he said. “This government must end its persistent harassment of dissenting voices. Democracy cannot coexist with tyranny.”
Atiku’s statement comes amid widespread criticism of the government’s handling of protests calling for improved governance and respect for human rights. Several civil society organizations have also demanded the release of those detained and urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to uphold democratic values.
As of the time of filing this report, police authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrests.
