The AAC alleged that the case is aimed at suppressing dissent and undermining democratic opposition under the administration of President Tinubu.
The African Action Congress (AAC) party has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of engaging in political prosecution in the ongoing trial of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, for describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”.
The AAC alleged that the case is aimed at suppressing dissent and undermining democratic opposition under the administration of President Tinubu.
In a statement issued by its Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja chapter, Agena Robert Ande, and Secretary, Kayode Salako, the party said the prosecution of Sowore by the DSS appears to be a calculated attempt to stifle criticism of the government rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.
According to the AAC, the move is designed to frustrate Sowore’s potential participation in future general elections and shield the incumbent administration from legitimate political challenge.
The party noted that the development mirrors actions taken against Sowore during the previous administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which it described as a pattern of attempts to silence a vocal government critic.
The AAC argued that repeated prosecutions underscore what it called the political establishment’s fear of Sowore’s leadership and popular appeal.
While acknowledging the statutory responsibility of the DSS to safeguard national security, the AAC stressed that such a mandate must also include the protection of citizens’ rights and the accountability of those in power.
The party urged the security agency to respect democratic principles, including freedom of expression and the right to criticize government policies, which it said are guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution.
The AAC further alleged that since the agency’s transition from the State Security Service to the DSS, it has increasingly functioned as what it termed a “protectionist institution” for powerful interests, rather than as a neutral guardian of national security.
This, the party claimed, has resulted in selective justice, where critics of government policies are targeted while serious crimes allegedly committed by both state and non-state actors go unaddressed.
According to the party, the DSS has shown an inability to effectively track and prosecute bandit leaders and terrorist kingpins who, the party said, openly publicize acts of violence online.
In contrast, it accused the secret police of focusing its resources on prosecuting critics of governance, which it described as evidence of misplaced priorities and political complicity.
The AAC maintained that Sowore’s outspoken criticism of government policies does not constitute a criminal offence but falls within the ambit of constitutionally protected rights.
It described the DSS’s actions as a “travesty” and called on the agency to redirect its attention toward tackling the widespread insecurity confronting the country.
“The DSS should confront the real criminals committing atrocities across Nigeria rather than persecuting a champion of justice and democracy,” the statement read.
The party reaffirmed its solidarity with Sowore and with Nigerians demanding accountability, transparency, and respect for democratic norms in governance.