- Sowore said he has faced persecution from Nigerian authorities since 1989
- He described his latest prosecution as politically motivated rather than a legal issue
- The activist defended free speech and opposed using criminal charges against government critics
Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has said his repeated arrests and detention are part of a long standing campaign by Nigeria’s political establishment to silence him because of his activism.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Sowore maintained that his challenges with authorities did not begin recently but date back to 1989 when he first became involved in activism as a teenager.
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According to him, successive governments, both military and civilian, have consistently targeted him for speaking against corruption, abuse of power and injustice.
Sowore claimed he has faced persecution for decades, alleging that security agencies have repeatedly attempted to intimidate him because of his outspoken criticism of those in power.
He argued that his latest prosecution is politically motivated rather than a genuine legal matter involving defamation or free speech.
According to the activist, those in government are punishing him for defending his rights and advocating for ordinary Nigerians.
Sowore said the ruling elite have remained hostile toward him because they view his activism as an obstacle to corruption and impunity.
Reflecting on his past experiences, he cited the seizure of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate during military rule over his political comments, his expulsion from the University of Lagos following student protests, and several arrests over the years.
He also alleged that he had been abducted, attacked and shot with a riot gun while participating in peaceful demonstrations.
Rejecting claims that his recent detention was solely linked to remarks about President Bola Tinubu, Sowore insisted the official explanation does not reflect the true reason for his arrest.
He maintained that his public statements are backed by facts and are aimed at holding public officials accountable rather than making baseless accusations.
Sowore also stressed that freedom of expression is essential in a democratic society, arguing that political leaders should accept criticism instead of using criminal prosecutions to silence dissenting voices.
He added that if he were president, he would not direct security agencies to arrest citizens for criticising him, noting that anyone who believes they have been defamed should pursue civil legal action rather than criminal charges.
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