Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi condemns the remand of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre. According to multiple outlets, Obi says he received the news “with deep concern” and warns that remanding Sowore risks undermining democratic freedoms by creating the impression that state institutions are being used to suppress dissent. The criticism follows a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja where Justice Mohammed Umar orders Sowore’s remand pending the hearing of his application for a stay of execution of an earlier order that revoked his bail. Reports also say the court rejects Sowore’s request for the judge to recuse himself over alleged bias. Obi’s statement stresses that, while the judiciary remains responsible for dispensing justice, authorities should guard against actions that may “muzzle” the press or shrink civic space, and that due process and constitutional protections should be upheld. Other coverage notes that the SERAP has criticised Sowore’s detention, arguing it targets the peaceful exercise of his rights. The case continues to draw debate over judicial independence and civic space in Nigeria.