2027: NANS, NAPS applaud DSS over decision to suspend Sowore’s prosecution

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) have commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for suspending the prosecution of the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Mr Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election.

The students described the decision as a welcome step towards a free, fair and credible election, saying it would ensure that all presidential candidates compete on a level playing field.

Addressing a press conference in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Babatunde Akinteye commended the decision of the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to suspend Sowore’s prosecution until after the forthcoming presidential election.

Akinteye said no presidential candidate should be placed at a procedural or institutional disadvantage because of pending criminal proceedings during a critical electoral period.

“This decision is a commendable demonstration of commitment to democracy, fairness, due process, the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process,” he said.

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The student leader stressed that the suspension should not be construed as an abandonment of the case or as placing Sowore above the law, noting that the prosecution could resume after the election in accordance with due process.

According to him, the decision was a responsible exercise of institutional discretion aimed at ensuring that the electoral process was not unnecessarily complicated by proceedings involving a presidential candidate.

“The prosecution will continue after the election in accordance with due process and the applicable law,” the groups stated.

The groups also commended the DSS Director-General for what they described as his commitment to the rule of law, citing the release of persons allegedly detained in error and the payment of over N300 million in compensation to affected persons.

They said the DSS had also demonstrated that politically sensitive and national security matters could be handled through established legal and judicial processes.

NANS and NAPS further praised the agency’s efforts in combating terrorism and insurgency, as well as its reported disciplinary action against personnel who violate established procedures or rules of engagement.

According to them, the approach was necessary to strengthen public confidence in the security agency and ensure that state powers were exercised responsibly.

They stated that “at this defining moment in our democratic journey, what the nation requires is an electoral environment in which all candidates compete under substantially equal conditions, institutions remain impartial, and citizens are free to make their choices without fear, favour or undue institutional influence.”

The groups therefore described the decision to defer Sowore’s prosecution as prudent, responsible and confidence-building, saying it would help reinforce public confidence that the 2027 presidential election would be determined by the free will of Nigerians.

They urged all stakeholders to work towards a peaceful, transparent and credible election, stressing that the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders must be protected.