The Take It Back Movement Global Headquarters has expressed grave concern and strong condemnation of any attempt to weaponise Nigeria’s judicial system against political opponents, following the remand in custody of Dr Doris Ogala, the African Action Congress governorship candidate for Abia State, by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
In an official press statement issued on 28 October 2026, the movement noted that Dr Ogala’s bail hearing has been scheduled for Friday 30 October 2026. It placed the development against the backdrop of repeated legal battles involving its leader, Omoyele Sowore, and other members of the African Action Congress and the Take It Back Movement.
The statement said the organisation is increasingly concerned that judicial processes are being used, or are at risk of being used, not merely to administer justice but to frustrate political participation, intimidate opposition voices and weaken legitimate democratic movements.
It declared that nobody is above the law, naming Dr Doris Ogala, Pastor Chris Okafor, Governor Alex Otti, Pastor Jerry Eze and those entrusted with administering justice. At the same time, it insisted that the law must never become an instrument of selective punishment. A criminal allegation is not a conviction, a remand order is not a political disqualification, and the courtroom must never become an extension of the campaign battlefield.
Addressing Pastor Chris Okafor, the movement recognised his right to seek legal redress but insisted that Dr Ogala has the right to defend herself, enjoy the presumption of innocence and challenge any process she believes amounts to harassment or intimidation. It warned that should evidence establish any abuse of legal process intended to intimidate their comrade or frustrate her political aspirations, the movement would respond vigorously through every lawful avenue available, including the courts, constitutional remedies and peaceful civic action.
The statement also addressed Governor Alex Otti and Pastor Jerry Eze. It expressed concern about the possibility of political interests exploiting legal proceedings against their candidate. It recognised the relationship between Governor Alex Otti’s administration and Pastor Jerry Eze’s family, including the appointment of Dr Eno Eze as Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission. While noting that this connection does not establish interference in the case, the movement called on all public figures concerned to make clear that they have no involvement in any attempt to use the legal system to undermine a political opponent.
It told Governor Otti that the appropriate place to confront a political opponent is on the campaign ground, through policies, programmes, performance and a transparent democratic contest. The people of Abia State, it said, should determine their political future through the ballot, not through intimidation or the misuse of state institutions. The movement called on Governor Otti, Pastor Jerry Eze and every other person whose name has arisen in connection with concerns surrounding the matter to respect the independence of the judiciary and refrain from any form of improper interference.
Turning to the judiciary and law enforcement authorities, the Take It Back Movement recognised the constitutional responsibility of the courts to adjudicate disputes independently and impartially. It called for the fair and expeditious consideration of Dr Doris Ogala’s bail application on Friday and demanded that her constitutional rights, safety, dignity, access to legal representation and presumption of innocence be fully respected.
The statement concluded that the judiciary must remain the last hope of the common citizen, not an institution that citizens come to fear as a potential instrument of political persecution. Justice must not only be done, it must be manifestly seen to be done.
By John James
