The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to pro-democracy activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, demanding a retraction of a controversial social media post about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, the DSS accused Sowore of publishing what it described as a “false, malicious, and inciting” statement on X (formerly Twitter) on August 26, 2025. The agency claimed the remarks, in which Sowore allegedly called the president a “criminal” and accused him of dishonesty over corruption claims, were derogatory, misleading, and capable of triggering public unrest.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the DSS, through its Director of Legal Services, Uwem Davies, stated that the post had generated outrage among Nigerians and could “incite public disturbance, disunity, and even insurrection.” The letter directed Sowore to issue a public apology and retract his comments on the same platform, with equal visibility to the original post.
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DSS Conditions for Sowore’s Compliance
The DSS outlined three major steps Sowore must take within seven days of receiving the letter:
- Retract the Post: Sowore must publish a full and unequivocal retraction of the controversial post on X, ensuring the same prominence as the initial statement.
- Publish a Public Apology: He must issue an apology in at least two widely read national newspapers and two television stations with nationwide coverage.
- Formal Representation: Sowore is required to send a formal response either to the DSS headquarters at No. 1, Maitama Avenue, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, or through the agency’s official email addresses.
The DSS further warned that failure to comply would compel it to “explore all lawful means” to protect national security and public order.
DSS Position on the Controversial Post
According to the DSS, Sowore’s remarks about Tinubu are not only defamatory but also dangerous to Nigeria’s stability.
“Your choice of words in describing the President are false, malicious, and capable of inciting public disturbance, disunity, and breakdown of law and order,” the letter stated.
The security agency emphasized that Sowore’s comments, given his political influence and dual residency status in Nigeria and the United States, could damage the country’s image internationally. The DSS also disclosed that it had copied the United States Embassy in Abuja in its correspondence, reflecting the diplomatic sensitivity of the matter.
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DSS Calls for Responsibility Among Political Figures
The DSS reminded Sowore and other political stakeholders of their responsibility to promote peace and stability.
“Persons of your status who are campaigning to lead this country as critical stakeholders of democracy must be of high integrity and therefore should exercise restraint and responsibility in their speech as well as action,” the letter emphasized.
The agency added that its constitutional duty extends to preventing the spread of propaganda and misinformation that could undermine governance and national unity.
Sowore’s Criticism of Successive Governments
Omoyele Sowore, a long-standing activist, publisher, and founder of Sahara Reporters, has been a vocal critic of successive Nigerian administrations. He previously led several protests, including the #RevolutionNow movement, and has faced multiple arrests and charges, including treason allegations, which he has consistently denied.
This latest development highlights renewed tension between the activist and security agencies, particularly under Tinubu’s administration, as Sowore continues to challenge the government’s policies and statements.
Omoyele Sowore’s post reads” “This criminal @ official ABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”
What the Ultimatum Means
Legal analysts note that the DSS ultimatum reflects a broader debate over freedom of expression in Nigeria. Critics argue that the security agency’s demand for retractions and public apologies could intimidate activists and journalists, while supporters of the DSS insist that unchecked speech poses a threat to national security.
If Sowore fails to comply within the seven-day deadline, the DSS has stated that it will “initiate measures it deems most appropriate within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
