ABUJA – Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has declared that he will not withdraw his controversial remarks against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite pressure from security agencies.
Sowore had sparked outrage after he described Tinubu as a “criminal” in response to comments the President made during his recent state visit to Brazil. Tinubu had boasted that since assuming office, “there is no more corruption in the currency market” — a statement Sowore dismissed as deceitful.
Taking to his X handle, the activist wrote:
“This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”
The post quickly gained traction online, but it also triggered a clampdown from security operatives. Reports indicate that the Department of State Services (DSS) contacted X and Facebook to restrict Sowore’s accounts. The agency also issued him a one-week ultimatum to retract his statement or face consequences.
Unfazed by the warnings, Sowore doubled down on Sunday, posting:
“Even if you give me till the end of Tinubu’s tenure in 2027, I will NOT retract my statement.”
The activist, who has long been a vocal critic of successive Nigerian administrations, argued that the government’s attempt to silence him further proves his point about the state of democracy and free speech under Tinubu’s leadership.
It remains unclear whether the DSS will escalate action against him, but observers warn the standoff could trigger another heated debate about shrinking civic space and the misuse of state security to target dissenting voices.
