In a move that has sparked concern among civil society groups and political observers, a group of loyalists to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu allegedly held a secret virtual meeting on Sunday with intentions to “attack” and “demobilise” prominent human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, over his continued criticism of the administration.
According to an exclusive report by Sahara Reporters, the online meeting was convened around 8:00 AM Nigerian time and included two prominent Tinubu loyalists as well as a serving state governor whose identity has not yet been officially confirmed.
Sources claim the meeting was part of a strategy to “neutralize” Sowore’s voice ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, where the activist is expected to make critical statements concerning governance, human rights violations, and corruption under the Tinubu-led government.
“We can’t allow him to disgrace our leader in New York. This is beyond politics now, he has to be silenced,” one of the loyalists was quoted as saying during the meeting, according to a leak obtained by the news platform.
Omoyele Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate, has long been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government. His activism has led to multiple arrests and ongoing legal battles, including charges widely considered by international observers as politically motivated.
The report of the alleged meeting has since ignited outrage among pro-democracy activists and rights groups, many of whom are calling for an urgent investigation.
SERAP, Amnesty International Nigeria, and other advocacy organizations have issued statements condemning any plan to intimidate or harm dissenting voices, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to freedom of expression and democratic integrity in the country.
Meanwhile, the presidency has not issued an official response to the allegations as of press time.
This development adds another layer of controversy to the lead-up to the UN General Assembly, where Nigeria’s leadership is already under scrutiny over issues ranging from economic hardship to security concerns and press freedom.
