By Milcah Tanimu

Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), asserts that he is owed an apology by the Nigerian government for his arrest and detention in 2019. Speaking on Arise Television, Sowore expressed his expectation for an apology from the Nigerian authorities, emphasizing his belief that it is warranted given the circumstances. This demand for an apology follows the discontinuation of the case against Sowore by the Federal Government. The government had previously accused him of treason, leading to his arrest and detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) in August 2019. Despite being released on bail, Sowore was restricted from leaving the country as part of his bail conditions. However, the recent Notice of Discontinuance issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja signals an end to the government’s pursuit of the case. Sowore’s call for a revolution in Nigeria under the administration of then-President Muhammadu Buhari sparked controversy and ultimately led to his legal troubles. He maintains that his intention was to advocate for a fundamental change in the Nigerian system, a sentiment he conveyed both during his interrogation and in court appearances. Reflecting on the impact of his call for revolution, Sowore highlights a significant increase in public awareness and discourse on the topic following the protests in 2019. He notes that the word “revolution” has gained widespread usage and acceptance, indicating a shifting attitude among Nigerians towards calls for systemic change