The African Action Congress (AAC) has reaffirmed human rights activist Omoyele Sowore as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, while condemning the recent court-ordered arrest against him and directing its members across the country to prepare for nationwide political mobilisation and protests.

The party announced its position in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting involving its National Executive Committee, party candidates and the leadership of the Take It Back Movement on Thursday.

The statement, jointly signed by AAC Acting National Chairman Samuel Ajeigbe and Take It Back Movement National Coordinator Sanyaolu Juwon, was released to journalists on Friday.

The development follows a decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja to revoke the bail earlier granted to Sowore after he failed to appear before the court. Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest, ruling that his absence constituted a breach of the conditions attached to his bail.

Sowore is currently facing prosecution over allegations that he made false claims against President Bola Tinubu in social media posts in which he described the President as “a criminal.”

Reacting to the court order, the AAC described the action as part of what it termed a growing pattern of intimidation targeting opposition politicians, activists, journalists, labour leaders and citizens expressing dissenting views.

“The arrest order against Comrade Omoyele Sowore cannot be viewed in isolation. Rather, it forms part of a wider political climate in which dissent is increasingly treated as a security threat and opposition politics is subjected to administrative, legal, and institutional pressures,” the communiqué stated.

The party argued that democracy cannot flourish where opposition voices are allegedly subjected to intimidation or where public institutions are perceived to be operating in a partisan manner.

According to the AAC, the implications of the case extend beyond Sowore personally and raise broader concerns about democratic freedoms, constitutional rights and political participation in Nigeria.

“The central issue before Nigerians is not the fate of any one individual or political organisation. What is at stake is the future of democracy itself,” the party said.

It maintained that the right of citizens to criticise government policies, challenge those in authority and promote alternative political ideas remains fundamental to democratic governance.

The party further contended that many of the challenges that prompted calls for political change, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, inequality and declining public confidence in governance, remain unresolved.

As part of resolutions reached at the meeting, the AAC pledged full support for Sowore and vowed to defend his constitutional rights through lawful and democratic means.

The party also denounced what it described as attempts to deploy state institutions to weaken political opposition and restrict civic engagement.

It directed its structures nationwide to begin preparations for protests, political rallies, mass meetings and other mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

In addition, the AAC resolved to intensify the production and distribution of campaign materials while deepening collaboration with labour unions, student organisations, civil society groups, professional associations and other pro-democracy movements.

Reaffirming Sowore’s candidacy, the party declared that no form of intimidation or political pressure would prevent it from participating fully in the next presidential election.

The communiqué urged Nigerians from different sectors of society, including workers, students, youths, women, professionals, faith-based groups and civil society organisations, to remain committed to defending democratic values and civil liberties.

“The preservation of democratic rights cannot be left to political parties alone. It requires the active participation of citizens committed to justice, accountability, and freedom,” the statement said.

The party added, “No arrest order can extinguish the aspirations of a people determined to be free.”

AAC concluded by reiterating its commitment to what it described as systemic political change and the struggle to free Nigerians from poverty and hardship, insisting that the nation’s future must be built on democratic principles, freedom and accountability rather than fear and repression.