The Oyo State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has criticised the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja to revoke the bail granted to the party’s presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the move as politically motivated and unjust.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Oyo State AAC Chairman, Kayode Babayomi, the party alleged that the court deliberately fixed a hearing date that conflicted with Sowore’s known travel plans before subsequently revoking his bail.
The reaction followed the decision of Justice Muhammad Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant for his arrest after the activist and his legal team failed to appear in court for the continuation of his defence in a cybercrime-related case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the AAC, Sowore had appeared in court on June 15, the date previously scheduled for the hearing, but proceedings could not continue because the judge did not sit.
The party stated that after the aborted sitting, Sowore formally communicated with the court registrar, requesting that future hearing dates be fixed between July 2 and July 13 or in September because of an already scheduled trip to Lagos.
However, the AAC alleged that Justice Umar ignored the request and instead fixed the matter for June 16, despite being aware of Sowore’s travel plans.
“The facts are clear: Sowore appeared in court on June 15, the date earlier set for hearing, only for the judge not to sit without notice or explanation,” the statement said.
It further claimed that the judge deliberately chose the new date after learning that the AAC presidential candidate would be out of Abuja.
The party argued that the court acted unfairly by revoking Sowore’s bail despite his appearance in court a day earlier.
“With Sowore unable to attend, the judge wasted no time in revoking his bail and issuing a bench warrant, despite seeing him in court the previous day in a viral video,” the statement added.
Describing the development as persecution rather than justice, the AAC claimed the court’s action was aimed at frustrating Sowore’s political activities and limiting his engagement with supporters across the country.
“This is not justice. This is persecution. This is another calculated attempt to stall the campaign of our presidential candidate and silence the biggest voice of the masses after seeing his nationwide popularity and acceptance in recent weeks,” the party stated.
The Oyo AAC also warned against what it called the use of judicial processes to suppress opposition figures, insisting that it would resist any attempt to deploy the courts as instruments of political oppression.
According to the party, growing public support for Sowore, particularly on social media, reflects widespread concern over the multiple legal cases he has faced in different parts of the country.
“Nigerians have taken to social media to solidarise with Sowore over his frequent court appearances across the country for cases instituted against him by the state and rich individuals. That solidarity will translate into resistance against any attempt to use the court as a weapon of political oppression,” the statement said.
The party maintained that Sowore remained prepared to defend himself through legal means and had no intention of evading the judicial process.
“As much as we don’t expect justice from our courtrooms, we have decided to always take justice to them and we will never run away from the courtrooms,” it added.
The AAC further stressed that all candidates seeking elective office should be allowed to campaign freely and participate in the democratic process without interference.
Following the revocation of Sowore’s bail and the issuance of a bench warrant, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 22 for further proceedings.
