African Action Congress Reaffirms Support for Sowore Amid Concerns Over Arrest Order
The African Action Congress (AAC) has officially reaffirmed Omoyele Sowore as its presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The party condemned his recent court-ordered arrest and mobilized its members nationwide for mass protests and political engagement.
This stance was articulated in a communiqué released following an emergency meeting of the national executive committee, party candidates, and the Take It Back movement leadership. The statement was signed by Acting National Chairman Samuel Ajeibbe and Take Back Movement National Coordinator Sanyaolu Juwon, and made public on Friday.
According to Punch Online, a Federal High Court in Abuja revoked Sowore’s bail after he failed to attend a court session. The presiding Judge Mohammed Umar subsequently issued a warrant for Sowore’s arrest, citing his absence as a violation of bail conditions.
Sowore faces allegations of defaming President Bola Tinubu, labeling him a “criminal” in a social media post. The court had initially scheduled a hearing to rule on Sowore’s bail application, but it was postponed due to his non-appearance.
The AAC denounced the arrest order as indicative of a disturbing trend that targets not only Sowore but also other opposition figures, activists, journalists, and members of the public exercising their constitutional rights. The communiqué emphasized that this arrest cannot be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of a more extensive political landscape where dissent is increasingly treated as a security risk.
The party asserted that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where opposition voices are systematically silenced, and state institutions serve partisan interests. It warned that the issues extending beyond Sowore’s situation threaten the very foundation of Nigeria’s democratic framework, constitutional rights, and political participation.
“What is at stake is not merely the fate of a single individual or political entity; it is the future of democracy itself,” the statement declared. The AAC emphasized that the ability to criticize the government, challenge those in power, and propose alternative political visions is essential in a healthy democracy.
Highlighting the unresolved socio-economic issues facing Nigerians, such as economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and a declining public trust in governance, the party expressed unwavering solidarity with Sowore. It pledged to defend his constitutional rights through legal and democratic avenues.
The AAC condemned the use of state institutions to stifle political opposition and diminish civic space. It has urged its organizations across the country to prepare for nationwide protests, political rallies, and other mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 elections. The party plans to enhance the production and distribution of campaign materials while strengthening collaborations with trade unions, student groups, civil society organizations, and other democratic institutions.
In closing, the party reaffirmed Sowore as its candidate and insisted that “no act of intimidation, harassment, or political persecution” will deter its commitment to the upcoming electoral process. It called upon all Nigerians to uphold democratic values and highlighted the importance of citizen engagement in promoting justice, accountability, and freedom.
The AAC underscored that “no arrest order can extinguish the desire of people who are determined to be free,” reiterating its dedication to systemic change for the empowerment of all Nigerians. The party’s vision emphasizes that the nation’s future rests upon the principles of democracy and freedom rather than oppression and fear.
