In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed deep concern over Sowore’s detention and abuse of people’s rights by state actors.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest and detention of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, describing it as “a miscarriage of justice” and “an abuse of state power.”

In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed deep concern over Sowore’s detention and abuse of people’s rights by state actors.

“I was deeply disturbed to learn of the arrest of Mr. Omoyele Sowore yesterday, shortly after he voluntarily honoured an invitation by the Nigerian Police Force,” Obi said.

“At the time of writing, no clear or credible charges have been made public, which further casts a troubling shadow over the nature and motivation behind his detention.”

The former Anambra State governor stressed that Sowore’s detention under such circumstances should be universally condemned, particularly as he had appeared before the police in good faith.

“His arrest, particularly under circumstances where he presented himself in good faith to law enforcement, should be condemned by all who value justice and due process.

“From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment,” he said.

Obi further argued that detaining a citizen without disclosing “clear, lawful charges” not only undermines justice but also erodes the integrity of state institutions.

“To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power,” he said.

Quoting the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, Obi noted, “Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.”

He added that when those in authority act unjustly, they undermine both the legal order and the moral conscience of the nation.

Calling for swift action, Obi urged the police to either release Sowore immediately or charge him formally, in accordance with the law.

“When those entrusted with power act unjustly, they poison not only the legal order but the moral conscience of the nation,” he said.

“I therefore call on the Nigerian Police to immediately release Omoyele Sowore or charge him formally under the law.”

Obi warned, “Anything short of this would be a further erosion of public trust in the nation’s law enforcement institutions.”

He reiterated the importance of equal application of the law, saying, “It is our collective duty to insist that the rule of law must apply to all citizens- regardless of ideology, background, or political alignment.”