Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed not to retract his statement describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal,” despite pressure from the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sowore’s comment followed Tinubu’s recent state visit to Brazil, where the President declared that corruption no longer existed in Nigeria’s currency market. Reacting on his X handle, Sowore criticised the claim, writing:

“This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

In response, the DSS petitioned social media platforms X and Facebook, requesting the deactivation of Sowore’s accounts. The agency also issued a one-week ultimatum for him to delete and retract the statement or face consequences.

But in a fresh post on X, Sowore stood firm, insisting he would not withdraw his remarks.

“Even if you give me till the end of Tinubu’s tenure in 2027, I will NOT retract my statement,” he declared.