— Says deferring prosecution safeguards free, fair election
By Dayo Johnson Akure
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has hailed the decision of the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to suspend the prosecution of African Action Congress, AAC, Presidential Candidate, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, until after the presidential election in January 2027.
The NANS National President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, stated this at a press conference in Akure, Ondo State capital.
He described the decision as “a commendable demonstration of commitment to democracy, fairness, due process, the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process.”
Babatunde said that at a time when all presidential candidates ought to compete on a level playing field, no candidate should be placed at a procedural or institutional disadvantage by reason of pending criminal proceedings.
According to him, the decision is consistent with regional and international democratic principles and best practices embodied in instruments such as the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002), ICCPR, and UDHR.
He noted that the decision also aligns with the DGSS’ achievements since assuming office on August 28, 2024, including the prompt release of persons wrongly detained, payment of over N300 million as compensation to affected persons, and the resort to legal and judicial processes in handling politically related acts of incitement.
Citing the case of Prof. Pat Utomi and his advocacy for a “Shadow Government,” Babatunde said the DSS response through established legal mechanisms reinforced the principle that matters of national security should be addressed within the framework of the law.
He further commended the DGSS for progress recorded in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, including arrests and prosecution of high-profile terrorist elements, which he said demonstrated operational dexterity and inter-agency cooperation.
Babatunde also applauded the DSS for investigating and disciplining personnel who violate procedures, saying it strengthens public confidence and accountability.
He stressed that the suspension of the prosecution should not be misconstrued as placing anyone above the law.
“Rather, it represents a responsible exercise of institutional discretion aimed at ensuring that the electoral process is not unnecessarily complicated by proceedings involving a presidential candidate at a critical stage of the democratic process. The prosecution will continue after the election in accordance with due process,” he said.
NANS said deferring the prosecution will help safeguard the neutrality of the electoral environment and reinforce public confidence that the outcome of the contest will be determined by the free will of the electorate.
“We welcome this decision as a positive step towards ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, transparent and credible Presidential Election,” Babatunde added.
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