Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has rejected a demand by the Department of State Services (DSS) to retract a social media post in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, the DSS accused Sowore of publishing “false, malicious, and inciting” remarks against the President in a post made on August 26 through his account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The service warned that failure to comply within one week would compel it to “explore all lawful means” to safeguard national security and public order.
The agency, through its Director of Legal Services, Uwem Davies, alleged that Sowore’s post had provoked public anger and carried the potential to “incite disturbance, disunity, and insurrection.”
The DSS insisted that the activist’s comments undermined the office of the President and violated national security provisions.
Sowore confirmed on Sunday that he had been contacted by X regarding the DSS letter but maintained that he would not remove the post. “One option I will not be taking is deleting that Tweet. Thank you, @X,” he wrote.
... in question accused President Tinubu of deceiving Nigerians by claiming that corruption no longer existed under his administration.
Sowore, who has a history of confrontation with security agencies, has consistently used his platform to criticise government policies and leadership.
The standoff has raised concerns about the balance between free speech and national security in Nigeria.
The DSS reiterated that it would hold individuals accountable for spreading inciting content, while Sowore signaled his determination to resist what he views as an attempt to silence dissent.