…Says decision will ensure level playing field for 2027 presidential election
By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for what it described as a decision to suspend the prosecution of the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the January 2027 presidential election.
The coalition said the decision would help promote a level playing field for all presidential candidates and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Secretary of the FDA and co-convener of the briefing, Comrade Daniel Elachi Omaga, alongside other leaders, described the development as a welcome step towards ensuring a free, fair, transparent and credible election.
According to the coalition, the decision by the DSS Director-General demonstrates a commitment to democracy, fairness, due process, the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The group argued that no presidential candidate should be placed at a procedural or institutional disadvantage because of pending criminal proceedings while preparing to contest an election.
The FDA said the decision was consistent with established regional and international democratic principles, including the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance, the African Union 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 coalition maintained that the instruments promote genuine, free, fair and credible elections while protecting citizens’ rights to participate fully in political activities.
The group also praised the DSS leadership for what it described as its commitment to due process since assuming office in August 2024.
It cited the prompt release of persons who were allegedly detained unlawfully and the payment of compensation to affected individuals as examples of the agency’s adherence to legal procedures.
The FDA also commended the DSS for relying on judicial processes in handling politically sensitive matters, citing proceedings involving Professor Pat Utomi following his advocacy for the establishment of a “shadow government.”
According to the coalition, the handling of such cases demonstrates that even matters involving national security can be addressed within the framework of the law.
The group further applauded the DSS for its reported achievements in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, particularly the arrest, prosecution and conviction of high-profile terror suspects.
However, the FDA stressed that the reported suspension of Sowore’s prosecution should not be interpreted as placing him above the law or terminating the legal proceedings.
Rather, it said the decision should be viewed as an exercise of institutional discretion aimed at preventing pending legal proceedings from unnecessarily complicating the electoral process.
The coalition noted that the prosecution could resume after the election in accordance with due process.
It described the decision as a “prudent and responsible” step capable of safeguarding the neutrality of the electoral environment and strengthening public confidence in the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
The FDA urged all relevant institutions to ensure that presidential candidates are allowed to compete under equal conditions, while citizens are permitted to freely choose their leaders without fear, favour or institutional influence.
The group therefore expressed support for the decision, saying it represented a positive step towards achieving a peaceful, transparent and credible presidential election in Nigeria.
