(In Nigeria) Peter Obi reacts to arrest of Sowore by Nigeria Police

Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has condemned the arrest of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force. Sowore was taken into custody on Thursday after voluntarily appearing at the police headquarters in Abuja in response to an official invitation. Obi, in a statement posted on X, said he was deeply troubled by the arrest, noting that the police had yet to provide any clear or credible charges against Sowore.

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Obi argued that detaining someone who willingly presented himself to authorities, without publicising lawful charges, was both unjust and an abuse of state power. He described the move as a troubling sign regarding the motivations behind Sowore’s detention. As a leading figure in the Labour Party and a prominent voice in Nigerian politics, Obi urged law enforcement to uphold fairness and transparency.

Obi called for the immediate release of Sowore, warning that anything less would undermine public trust in Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions. He stressed that the police should demonstrate accountability by either charging Sowore with a legitimate offence or freeing him without delay. The former Anambra State governor said incidents like this risk eroding citizens’ confidence in the justice system and could deepen concerns about political freedoms in the country.

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The arrest has already drawn attention from civil rights advocates and political observers, who see it as part of a troubling pattern of actions against activists and opposition figures. Sowore, a well-known pro-democracy campaigner and publisher, has faced previous arrests and legal challenges linked to his activism.

Obi’s statement adds political weight to calls for transparency and adherence to due process. As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, the handling of such cases could shape public perception of Nigeria’s democratic and legal institutions. For now, the focus remains on whether the police will heed demands to release Sowore or make public any legitimate grounds for his detention.