By Jane Okeke
The National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS, has welcomed the reported decision by the Department of State Services, DSS, to suspend the prosecution of African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election.
NAPS National President, Jimoh Ibrahim Ajadi, said the decision demonstrates institutional restraint and reflects a commitment to democracy, due process, the rule of law and a level playing field for all presidential candidates.
The association said deferring the prosecution would help prevent pending legal proceedings from creating an actual or perceived disadvantage for any candidate ahead of the election. NAPS added that the decision aligns with democratic principles that promote free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
NAPS also commended the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as his commitment to due process and the lawful exercise of institutional powers since assuming office in August 2024.
The students’ body cited the release of persons allegedly detained in error and the payment of more than 300 million naira in compensation to affected persons as examples of what it described as the DSS leadership’s commitment to accountability. It also referenced the handling of politically sensitive matters through legal processes, including the proceedings involving Professor Pat Utomi.
On national security, NAPS praised the DSS leadership for what it described as progress in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, including the arrest and prosecution of high-profile terrorist suspects. The association said intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration can strengthen national security while maintaining respect for the rule of law.
NAPS further commended the Service for investigating personnel accused of violating established procedures or rules of engagement, stressing that accountability is essential to professionalism and public confidence in the security agency.
Reacting to claims that the DSS lacks prosecutorial powers, NAPS argued that the absence of an independent constitutional power of prosecution does not necessarily invalidate proceedings conducted under lawful authority. The association maintained that where prosecution is undertaken pursuant to valid authorisation from the appropriate prosecuting authority, the matter should be considered within the applicable legal framework.
NAPS therefore urged Nigerians not to interpret the reported suspension as an abandonment of the case or an indication that anyone is above the law, saying the proceedings can continue after the election in accordance with due process. The association described the decision as a confidence-building measure capable of supporting a peaceful, transparent and credible election in which Nigerians freely choose their leaders.
