The Department of State Services has suspended the prosecution of African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the January 2027 presidential election, a move the Foundation for Democracy in Africa has described as a welcome commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement signed by FDA Co-convener Comrade Isah Abubakar, the group commended DSS Director-General Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, for the decision, saying no candidate should be placed at a procedural or institutional disadvantage by pending criminal proceedings when all contenders are expected to compete on a level playing field. The Foundation said deferring the case aligns with regional and international democratic instruments including the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The FDA also highlighted what it called the DGSS’s record since assuming office on August 28, 2024, including the prompt release of persons erroneously detained, payment of compensation to affected individuals, and reliance on judicial processes rather than coercive state action in politically sensitive matters. It cited the handling of proceedings involving Prof. Pat Utomi over his advocacy for a “Shadow Government” as an example of addressing politically-related conduct through established legal mechanisms. The group further applauded the DSS under Ajayi for progress in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, noting arrests, prosecutions and convictions of high-profile offenders.
The Foundation stressed that the suspension does not place anyone above the law or abandon legal proceedings, but represents a responsible exercise of institutional discretion to prevent the electoral process from being complicated by actions against a presidential candidate. It said prosecution may resume after the election in line with due process.
According to the FDA, the decision is a prudent and confidence-building measure that will safeguard electoral neutrality and reinforce public trust that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election will reflect the free will of Nigerians. “At this defining moment in our democratic journey, Nigeria requires an environment where all candidates compete under equal conditions, institutions remain impartial, and citizens choose their leaders without fear, favor, or institutional influence,” the statement said. The group concluded by welcoming the move as a positive step toward a peaceful, transparent and credible presidential election and commended the DGSS for demonstrating institutional restraint and respect for Nigerians’ sovereign right to choose their leaders
