Over 23,000 Nigerians Demand Presidential Pardon for Farmer Sentenced to Death for Self-Defense

Over 23,000 Nigerians Demand Presidential Pardon for Farmer Sentenced to Death for Self-Defense

A nationwide petition urging presidential clemency for Nigerian farmer Sunday Jackson has gained momentum, with over 23,000 citizens signing a petition hosted on Change.org. The campaign seeks justice for Jackson, who was sentenced to death after defending himself from an alleged attack by a herdsman in 2015.

Despite claims that Jackson acted in self-preservation by disarming his assailant and using the weapon in defense, the Supreme Court ruled on March 7, 2025, that he should have fled the scene rather than fight back, thus upholding the death sentence.

The petition, spearheaded by the Youth Wing of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has described the ruling as a grave miscarriage of justice and is calling on the President, the Council of State, and the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene urgently.

“We, alongside over 23,000 concerned individuals, are urgently appealing to President Bola Tinubu, the Council of State, the Attorney General of the Federation and all relevant authorities to grant a presidential pardon to Sunday Jackson.”

The PFN Youth Wing said Jackson’s case represents a moment where the spirit of justice must prevail over rigid interpretations of the law.

“Presidential clemency exists for moments like this, when the law has spoken, but justice demands a higher response. This is bigger than one man. It is about the kind of nation we are becoming.”

“We are calling on people of every race, tribe, and conscience to stand with Sunday Jackson. We are calling on everyone who believes that justice must be just, and that mercy must not be forgotten. Let Sunday live. Let the Presidency act.”

Read also: Flood Alert: No Release from Lagdo Dam, Nigerians Urged to Remain Calm — Water Resources Minister

The group maintained that punishing someone for fighting to survive sends the wrong message in a democratic society and undermines public confidence in the justice system.

“We concerned Nigerians reject this decision as it is a miscarriage of justice. Over 23,000 of us believe that no one should be punished for fighting to live. We cannot stand by and watch an innocent man be executed for protecting himself. This is a moment of truth for justice in Nigeria.”

The growing campaign is now appealing for immediate action, emphasizing that justice tempered with mercy is the foundation of a humane society.

“Grant Sunday Jackson a presidential pardon,” the group appealed.