When Tinubu Called Jonathan A Drunkard, Was He Prosecuted For Threatening National Security? -Sowore

Omoyele Sowore, the prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, once again raised concerns about political double standards in Nigeria while appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The activist is facing charges linked to his public statements and advocacy for free expression, which he claims are politically motivated attempts to suppress dissent.

Speaking to journalists outside the court premises, Sowore expressed frustration over what he described as selective enforcement by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.

According to a video posted on the official YouTube channel of SYMFONI TV, he posed a pointed question to highlight perceived inconsistencies in the application of national security laws: “When Tinubu called Jonathan a drunkard, was he prosecuted for threatening national security?”

Sowore’s comments came during a discussion about the testimony of a DSS witness, who alleged that Sowore’s statements posed a threat to the nation. The activist argued that, historically, numerous political leaders have made statements critical of sitting presidents without any legal consequences. He contended that the selective prosecution of opposition voices reflects a concerning misuse of the state security apparatus to intimidate critics.

The activist further criticized the competence of the DSS witness, stating that the individual appeared unaware of basic facts surrounding the case, including Sowore’s well-documented arrest in 2019.

He described the witness’s testimony as a demonstration of the DSS overstepping its constitutional authority by becoming entangled in matters of personal reputation rather than genuine national security threats.

Sowore emphasized that freedom of speech is a fundamental right in Nigeria and that holding individuals criminally liable for opinions expressed about public officials undermines democratic principles. “This case is not about national security; it is about silencing dissent,” he asserted. He warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, where critical voices are stifled under the guise of protecting the state.

The activist also stressed that political criticism should never be conflated with acts of subversion. He argued that the DSS’s involvement in matters concerning personal insults or political commentary signals a troubling shift in the agency’s priorities, away from addressing real security threats such as terrorism, banditry, and organized crime.

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