By Ayodele Oni
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said the Department of State Services, (DSS) acted within the law by suspending the prosecution of the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, saying it will help ensure a free and fair 2027 presidential election.
NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated this during a press briefing on the suspension of Sowore’s prosecution, describing the decision as a demonstration of fairness, respect for the rule of law and commitment to a level playing field for all presidential candidates.
According to him, continuing the prosecution during the election campaign could distract Sowore and create an actual or perceived disadvantage for the AAC candidate.
NANS, in its position, described the suspension as a confidence-building measure capable of strengthening the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.
The association said all presidential candidates should be allowed to compete under substantially equal conditions, while state institutions should remain impartial throughout the electoral process.
It further commended the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as commitment to due process, institutional restraint and the rule of law.
The students’ body also praised the DSS for its counter-terrorism operations and efforts to investigate and sanction personnel who violate established procedures or rules of engagement.
“The DSS does not have the power to tell the judiciary how to do their work. The DSS cannot tell the judiciary that this is how you should do the prosecution.
“They have taken the case to court. They are prosecutors. They are not the judiciary that will determine how the process should be,” Akinteye said.
He was reacting to suggestions that the DSS should have fast-tracked the prosecution and concluded the case before the election.
Akinteye said fast-tracking the trial could still result in the proceedings extending into the election period, adding that the decision to suspend the prosecution would allow Sowore to concentrate on his campaign without unnecessary distraction.
“Not to disturb Sowore or make him be distracted in the process of the election, the DSS has done what is right according to international practice by suspending the trial until after the presidential election.”
The NANS President maintained that the suspension did not mean Sowore had been placed above the law or that the pending case had been abandoned.
He said the prosecution could continue after the election in accordance with due process and applicable laws.
On calls for the Federal Government to withdraw the charges against Sowore completely, Akinteye said the decision remained with the government.
He noted that the Federal Government has several cases before the courts and would have to determine whether to continue or discontinue the case against the AAC presidential candidate.
“It is in the interest of the Federal Government to either prosecute or not to prosecute. So when it is their time to make the decision, it is there for them,” he said.
NANS said the fight against insecurity could be pursued decisively through intelligence-led operations and inter-agency cooperation while respecting the rule of law.
The association said the suspension of Sowore’s prosecution would help ensure that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election reflects the free will of Nigerians rather than circumstances capable of creating an uneven playing field.
It therefore urged stakeholders to support an electoral environment where candidates can campaign freely and citizens can make their choices without fear, favour or undue institutional influence.
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