Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was abducted by armed men in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The incident occurred on Friday at Tawakalitu Restaurants and Catering Services. Eyewitnesses reported that the armed men stormed the premises, forcibly taking Sowore away. The attackers were identified as political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The abduction was confirmed through posts on Sowore's verified Facebook and X accounts. One post read, "Armed thugs kidnap Sowore. His current location is unknown!" The footage from the scene shows damaged tables and chairs, vandalised parts of the establishment, and a damaged vehicle. Another vehicle had a flat tyre. Sowore's presence in Ekiti State was connected to activities surrounding his presidential campaign.
Sowore is a prominent human rights activist, journalist, and politician who has consistently criticised successive Nigerian governments. As the presidential candidate of the AAC, his abduction has raised concerns. On Thursday, October 29, his defence counsel informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he was in Ekiti for campaign-related activities. The court subsequently adjourned his ongoing cyberbullying trial until November 3, 2026.
The eyewitnesses described the attackers as political thugs allegedly linked to the APC. The incident has sparked widespread concern and condemnation. The Nigerian government has not officially commented on the abduction. Sowore's whereabouts remain unknown as of the time of reporting.
The AAC has not released an official statement on the abduction. However, Sowore's supporters have taken to social media to express their concern and demand his safe release. The incident has raised questions about the security situation in Ekiti State and the safety of political candidates.
Sowore's abduction is not the first time he has faced threats or attacks. As a prominent critic of the Nigerian government, he has consistently faced harassment and intimidation. His supporters and human rights groups have called for his immediate release and an investigation into the incident.
The incident has sparked a reaction from various stakeholders, with many calling for calm and an investigation. The police and other security agencies have not commented on the incident. As the situation unfolds, one key point is that the abduction occurred amid concerns about the security of political candidates in Nigeria. Two other key points are that Sowore is a prominent critic of the Nigerian government and that his whereabouts remain unknown. A third key point is that the incident has raised questions about the role of political thugs in Nigerian politics.
Key points
- Sowore's abduction occurred amid concerns about the security of political candidates in Nigeria
- The incident has raised questions about the role of political thugs in Nigerian politics
- Sowore is a prominent critic of the Nigerian government
