Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has criticised the continued retention of activist Omoyele Sowore’s passport, describing the action as an abuse of power and a serious danger to Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
Hashim urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by ordering the immediate release of Sowore’s travel document, stressing that democracy can only flourish when dissenting voices are safeguarded rather than suppressed.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday while hosting Sowore during a meeting with PDP chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hashim said Nigeria’s future depends on protecting civil liberties and allowing citizens to freely express opposing views.
“Nigeria is worth fighting for, and real change is possible, no matter how challenging the journey,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Hashim’s Chief of Staff, Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, and the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat.
Reflecting on their shared history in the pro-democracy struggle since 1989, Hashim recalled that Sowore was among those mentored during the era of military rule. He said the visit served as a reminder of the sacrifices made to secure Nigeria’s democratic space.
Hashim described Sowore as a symbol of courage and principled resistance, noting that his consistency in speaking truth to power has inspired many young Nigerians seeking political reform. He condemned what he termed the sustained persecution of the activist, arguing that holding his passport amounts to punishment without conviction and violates his fundamental rights, including freedom of movement and family life.
Warning that democracies erode when dissent is criminalised, Hashim insisted that respect for opposing views is a cornerstone of democratic governance. He called on President Tinubu to act in the interest of justice, the rule of law, and human rights.
Sowore’s legal troubles date back to January 2025, when the Nigeria Police Force arraigned him before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 17-count charge bordering on cybercrime. The court granted him bail on January 30, 2025, in the sum of ₦10 million, with a condition that he deposit his passport with the court.
Although his lawyers applied for the release of the passport in March 2025 to enable him travel, the court declined the request, insisting that the document remain in custody pending the conclusion of the trial.
The charges stemmed from Sowore’s criticism of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whom he allegedly referred to as an “illegal IGP” on social media in December 2024. Authorities claimed the comments violated provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
In August 2025, Sowore was again detained after honouring a police invitation, amid reports that he was assaulted in custody. He was later released following public outcry, but his passport remains seized as the legal process continues.
