Atiku Slams Police Over Arrest of Sowore, Protesters — Calls It an Assault on Democracy

By Diafa Doubra,

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore alongside several other protesters by the Nigerian Police, describing the action as a blatant attack on democratic principles and citizens’ rights.

In a statement released on Thursday, Atiku expressed deep concern over the continuous suppression of peaceful dissent in the country, noting that protest remains a legitimate tool for citizens to express dissatisfaction in a democracy. He urged the government to respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and immediately release all detained protesters.

The arrests occurred during a demonstration tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, where protesters were calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Videos from the protest showed police officers dispersing the crowd and forcefully taking Sowore and others into custody.

Atiku warned that silencing opposition voices undermines the nation’s democratic progress, adding that the government must demonstrate tolerance and accountability. “Nigeria’s democracy thrives on freedom of speech and peaceful protest, not intimidation,” he said.