Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the arrest and continued detention of activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the action as a dangerous signal for Nigeria’s democracy and civil liberties.
Frank, in a statement issued on Tuesday, called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to release Sowore immediately and redirect its attention to combating terrorism, banditry and other security threats confronting the country.
His reaction follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.
Justice Mohammed Umar had dismissed Sowore’s request seeking the judge’s recusal over alleged bias and fixed June 24 for the hearing of his motion for stay of execution.
Reacting to the development, Frank alleged that the arrest was politically motivated and formed part of a broader effort to intimidate opposition voices, activists and government critics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He argued that criticism of government policies remains a constitutionally protected right and should not attract persecution or detention.
According to him, democratic governance thrives on accountability, debate and freedom of expression, warning that the use of security agencies against dissenting voices could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
Frank further maintained that many concerns raised by opposition figures and civil society groups, including insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges, reflect the realities confronting millions of Nigerians.
He questioned why security agencies appeared more focused on political critics while violent criminal groups continued to threaten communities across the country.
The former APC spokesman also urged the judiciary to remain independent and resist any attempt to use the courts as instruments for political suppression, stressing that the conduct of public institutions would ultimately be judged by history.
He called on the international community, including democratic nations and human rights organisations, to closely monitor developments in Nigeria, citing concerns about what he described as a shrinking democratic space and increasing intolerance of opposing views.
Frank insisted that no amount of intimidation or harassment would deter Nigerians from demanding accountability from elected leaders, reiterating his call for Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release.
He also urged security agencies to remain professional, non-partisan and focused on their constitutional mandate of protecting lives, property and national security.