FDA Backs DSS Decision to Suspend Sowore Prosecution Until After 2027 Election
- The Foundation for Democracy in Africa welcomed the DSS Director-General's move to suspend Omoyele Sowore's prosecution ahead of the 2027 election
- FDA said the decision aligns with regional and international democratic principles, including the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy
- The group stressed the suspension should not be read as placing Sowore above the law, as the case could resume after the election
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FCT, Abuja - The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) has backed the move by DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi to put on hold the criminal prosecution of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 presidential election.
The FDA described the decision as a show of commitment to democracy, due process, the rule of law, and the integrity of the electoral process.
Source: UGC
Secretary, Comrade Daniel Elachi Omaga, and Co-convener, Comrade Isah Abubakar, made this known in a statement issued and made available to Legit.ng on Tuesday, September 1, 2026
FDA's position on the suspension
The group argued that no presidential candidate should face an institutional or procedural disadvantage arising from pending criminal proceedings during an election period.
It said the decision was in line with regional and international democratic frameworks, including the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
"Rather, it represents a responsible exercise of institutional discretion to ensure the electoral process is not unnecessarily complicated by legal actions against a presidential candidate," the statement read.
The FDA added that deferring the prosecution would help create a level playing field and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
It urged institutions to remain impartial so that Nigerians can choose their leaders freely and without fear or institutional influence.
Praise for Ajayi since taking office
Beyond the Sowore matter, the FDA also used the statement to commend Ajayi for what it called his broader commitment to due process since he took office in August 2024.
The group cited the release of people allegedly detained in error, payment of compensation to those affected, and his reliance on judicial processes in politically sensitive cases as evidence of this approach.
The FDA further praised the DSS under his leadership for progress in fighting terrorism and insurgency, pointing to the arrest and prosecution of high-profile terror suspects as notable achievements.
The group was careful to clarify that suspending the prosecution should not be interpreted as terminating the case or placing Sowore beyond legal accountability.
According to the FDA, prosecutors can return to court after the election once the electoral period has passed, in full accordance with due process.
Source: Facebook
Amaechi, Sowore had physical confrontation on stage
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that Sowore and Rotimi Amaechi exchanged sharp words at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2026 conference in Port Harcourt
Sowore challenged Amaechi over his record in government, prompting an angry response from the former minister.
Amaechi fired back at Sowore, questioning his political experience and asking him to stay quiet as he replied to the 2027 presidential candidate.
Source: Legit.ng
