Timi Frank Demands Sowore’s Release, Urges DSS To Prioritise Fight Against Insecurity

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Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, following his arrest and remand.

Sowore was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre by a Federal High Court in Abuja pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail. Justice Mohammed Umar also dismissed the activist’s application seeking the judge’s recusal over alleged bias and adjourned proceedings on the motion for stay of execution until June 24.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Frank described the arrest as a setback for democratic values and alleged that it was aimed at intimidating opposition figures and critics of government ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, Nigeria’s democracy guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression and criticism of government policies.

“Sowore has merely exercised his constitutional right to speak on issues affecting Nigerians. If the government disagrees with his views, it should respond through engagement and governance, not intimidation,” Frank said.

He argued that concerns raised by critics regarding insecurity, economic hardship and governance reflect the realities faced by many Nigerians and should not attract punitive actions.

Frank further stated that security agencies should focus more on addressing the country’s security challenges, particularly the activities of bandits and terrorists, rather than pursuing political critics.

He also urged the judiciary to remain impartial and avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

The political activist called on the international community to monitor developments in Nigeria’s democratic space, expressing concern over what he described as growing intolerance for dissenting views.

Reiterating his position, Frank urged security agencies to remain professional and non-partisan and renewed his call for Sowore’s release.