Sowore Vows Relentless Resistance As Nigerian Government Faces Accusations Of Silencing Voices Through Social Media Pressure

 

Human rights activist and political campaigner Omoyele Sowore has once again found himself in the spotlight after alleging that Nigeria’s Department of State Services, DSS, attempted to shut down his online presence by pressuring the social media company X to deactivate his account. The activist, who has consistently challenged successive Nigerian governments, maintains that he will not abandon his mission of holding leaders accountable despite what he describes as an intensifying clampdown.

The revelation came through a statement Sowore posted on his verified X handle on Sunday. According to him, the DSS sent a direct request to the social media giant demanding that his account be disabled within 24 hours. The activist argued that the move represents yet another example of the government’s intolerance for dissent and its attempt to criminalize free expression.

Sowore explained that the government’s efforts to silence him were not isolated. He tied the latest development to a series of orchestrated protests held at the Federal High Court and the Ministry of Justice where demonstrators, allegedly sponsored by pro-government groups, called for his arrest. These protests, he said, were deliberately staged to create a false narrative that he poses a threat to public order.

Critics of the current administration have often pointed to what they view as shrinking civic space in Nigeria. Sowore’s case, they argue, reinforces those concerns. He described the DSS’s reported communication with X as an unconstitutional attack on his right to free speech and a violation of Nigeria’s democratic principles. “It is a desecration of national dignity,” he wrote, stressing that silencing opposition voices does nothing but expose the state to ridicule on the global stage.

For years, Sowore has battled both the DSS and the Nigerian Police Force. His confrontations with security agencies include arrests, detentions, seizure of his passport, and court charges he has repeatedly dismissed as politically motivated. He recalled how he was recently assaulted by armed officers, adding that the government has gone as far as accusing him in court of terrorism financing. Such accusations, according to him, are not only baseless but also a dangerous attempt to discredit him before the Nigerian people and the international community.

The activist insisted that the attempt to coerce X into deactivating his account was designed to export what he described as “national disgrace” to the United States, where the platform’s headquarters is located. He emphasized that suppressing voices of dissent abroad reveals the extent of the administration’s desperation to avoid scrutiny.

Sowore’s defiance remains unwavering. In his statement, he boldly declared that the campaign for justice and accountability cannot be derailed by threats, arrests, or digital suppression. He noted that his activism is not tied to a single platform or physical space. “The struggle against these criminals continues ceaselessly with or without a Twitter account, with or without Facebook, and whether I am in jail or outside of it. The struggle continues,” he affirmed.

Observers believe this new episode highlights the increasing importance of social media in Nigeria’s political landscape. Platforms such as X have become essential outlets for activists and citizens to air grievances, mobilize supporters, and challenge state narratives. Attempts to restrict access to these spaces, critics argue, often backfire by drawing more attention to government overreach.

Sowore’s history as a critic of Nigerian leadership stretches back decades. From his student activism years through his media work and political campaigns, he has cultivated a reputation for fearless opposition. His bid for the presidency under the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019 further cemented his profile as one of the government’s most persistent challengers. That same visibility, however, has made him a frequent target of state security operations.

Public reaction to his claims is still unfolding, with supporters applauding his courage and detractors questioning his motives. Some argue that his outspokenness is essential for sustaining Nigeria’s fragile democracy, while others suggest that his confrontational style sometimes overshadows broader coalition-building efforts. What remains clear is that his name consistently surfaces whenever conversations about freedom of expression and state repression are raised.

Nigeria’s government has yet to officially respond to the specific allegation that its security agency wrote to X demanding deactivation of Sowore’s account. However, past incidents suggest a pattern of tension between authorities and digital platforms. The country previously banned Twitter in 2021 following disagreements over content moderation decisions that involved then-President Muhammadu Buhari. The ban was lifted only after months of public outcry and negotiations.

For Sowore, the battle is far from over. His statement reflects both resilience and a broader call to citizens not to bow to intimidation. Whether through courtrooms, streets, or social media platforms, he insists that the struggle to expose what he calls misrule under President Bola Tinubu’s administration will persist.

As the controversy grows, attention will likely shift to how X responds to the alleged request from Nigerian authorities. The decision could set a precedent not only for Sowore but for all activists across Africa who rely heavily on digital platforms to challenge state narratives. At the heart of the matter is a fundamental question: how far can governments go in regulating dissent before democratic values are undermined beyond repair?

For now, Sowore appears undeterred. His words, echoing across digital platforms and media outlets, continue to amplify a message of resistance. His assertion remains clear; no matter the tactics employed, no matter the platform threatened, the struggle is alive, and he intends to pursue it without compromise.