The African Action Congress has called on the Department of State Services to completely withdraw the criminal case against its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, rather than merely putting the matter on hold until after the 2027 presidential election.
The party made the demand on Sunday in response to reports that the DSS had instructed its lawyer to seek a suspension of the case involving Sowore.
The reported decision followed a meeting between the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, senior counsel Akinolu Kehinde, SAN, and officials of the agency’s legal department on August 20.
The case is linked to allegations of cyberbullying arising from comments made by Sowore concerning President Bola Tinubu. The AAC has consistently rejected the prosecution, describing it as politically driven and an improper use of government resources against an opposition politician.
The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Rex Elanu, said a temporary suspension would not resolve the matter. It argued that the criminal justice system does not provide a proper basis for leaving a criminal case pending indefinitely without formally ending the prosecution.
The AAC said the case should be discontinued completely and not kept as a possible legal weapon that could be revived after the 2027 election.
The party also accused the DSS and the Federal Government of using state institutions against Sowore because of his criticism of the President. It said the activist should not have been subjected to the prosecution in the first place.
The AAC called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to take steps to bring the case to an immediate end. It also demanded an apology and compensation for Sowore, citing the legal costs, time and disruption allegedly caused by the prosecution.
The party further called for the return of Sowore’s international passport, which is currently being held by the Federal High Court in Abuja as part of the conditions attached to the case.
According to the AAC, returning the passport would allow Sowore to travel freely, campaign and meet supporters in Nigeria and abroad as preparations for the 2027 presidential election continue.
The party also requested the return of electronic devices and other personal belongings allegedly seized from Sowore by the DSS. These include phones and other equipment that the party said have remained in the agency’s possession for years.
The AAC also demanded the return of a drone and other equipment reportedly taken from Zainab Sodiq, a journalist and media aide to Sowore.
The party called for an end to what it described as harassment and intimidation of Sodiq and other citizens who engage in political activism, journalism and public criticism.
It said journalists, activists and political organisers should be able to perform their lawful duties without fear of arbitrary arrest, detention, surveillance or seizure of their belongings.
The AAC further urged the Tinubu administration and security agencies to stop using government institutions against political opponents and people who criticise those in power.
The party said the same standard should apply to every Nigerian, regardless of political party, ideology or position.
The AAC maintained that the reported decision to suspend the case should not be treated as an act of goodwill by the DSS. It said only a complete withdrawal of the prosecution would address its concerns.
Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, has had several encounters with Nigerian security agencies over his activism and political activities. His latest legal battle followed comments attributed to him concerning President Tinubu.
The AAC said it would continue to defend Sowore’s right to participate in the 2027 election and to express political opinions without being subjected to what it considers unlawful pressure from state institutions.