The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has praised the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajayi, for suspending court proceedings against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Mr. Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference, NAPS Vice President for National Affairs, Comr. Agada Noah, described the decision as a reflection of “maturity, professionalism and respect for democratic values” on the part of the security agency. He said that when security agencies create room for political participation without intimidation, it strengthens public trust in the system and reassures Nigerians that the 2027 electoral process will be free and fair.
According to NAPS, the significance of the suspension extends beyond any one individual. The association said the move reinforces the idea that Nigeria’s democracy can accommodate opposition and dissent without resorting to legal or security pressure against political actors.
While welcoming the DSS’s gesture, NAPS called on Sowore to reciprocate by shifting his politics toward issue-based engagement. The association urged him to prioritize voter education and present clear policy offerings to Nigerians, rather than dwelling on confrontations and personal attacks.
NAPS acknowledged the constitutional right of every citizen and candidate to criticize government, but cautioned against personal attacks directed at the DSS Director-General. The association argued that constructive criticism strengthens democracy, while provocations and insults only distract security agencies from their core mandate of protecting the nation.
The association also commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for what it described as proactive steps in tackling kidnapping and insecurity in the state. NAPS specifically cited the prompt rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other abducted victims as evidence of the administration’s commitment to citizens’ safety.
NAPS described every successful rescue operation as a victory not only for the victims and their families, but for Nigeria as a whole. The association called on Governor Ododo to sustain the momentum, urging deeper collaboration with security agencies and community leaders until criminal elements are completely flushed out of the state.
It charged all political actors to focus on policies and solutions rather than personal attacks, while urging security agencies to remain professional and apolitical in the discharge of their duties.
The association summarized its position by stating that politicians should campaign, security agencies should secure the nation, the judiciary should interpret the law, and Nigerians should be allowed to freely elect their leaders in 2027.
