Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the arrest and detention of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, describing the action as an attack on democracy and a sign of Nigeria’s regression into dictatorship.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Frank said Sowore’s arrest by the police was “unlawful, unjustifiable, and a dangerous affront to the constitutional rights of citizens.”
“We strongly condemn this reckless act as an assault on democracy, freedom of speech, and the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The activist, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, expressed disappointment that the government continues to harass and detain peaceful protesters in 2025 for expressing dissenting views.
“The right to protest, to assemble, and to hold government accountable are pillars of any democracy. Suppressing these rights through intimidation and arbitrary arrests is a betrayal of the promises made to Nigerians,” Frank said.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and other authorities to ensure Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, along with others arrested during peaceful demonstrations across the country.
Frank urged the government to focus on addressing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and corruption rather than silencing critics.
“We are not under military rule where dissent is treated as a crime. True leaders listen to the people — they don’t muzzle them,” he stated.
The former APC chieftain accused the Tinubu administration of double standards, alleging that “bandits and looters are treated with leniency while innocent citizens are harassed for demanding good governance.”
“If the government were fulfilling its promises, there would be no reason for protests. Arresting unarmed citizens is unacceptable and must stop,” he said.
Frank also appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, and the international community, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations, to prevail on the Nigerian government to respect human rights and democratic freedoms.
“In true democracies, leaders tolerate criticism. We have seen massive protests in other parts of the world where no one was tear-gassed or detained. Nigeria must not continue on this path of repression,” he added.
He warned that the continued clampdown on activists, journalists, and opposition voices paints Nigeria as an intolerant and authoritarian state before the international community.
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