Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and individuals linked to the Ekiti State Government House of sponsoring and facilitating an attack on him and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti. The incident occurred shortly after he concluded a radio interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti on October 30, 2026.
Sowore alleged that the attackers were known political thugs who came from the Government House and received tracking and operational support from DSS operatives. He claimed that the harassment began shortly after he and his associates arrived in Ekiti State on Thursday, with DSS operatives monitoring their movements and intimidating people who provided them with services.
The AAC candidate faulted the Ekiti State Police Command's account of the incident, accusing Commissioner of Police Falade Adegoroye Michael of deliberately minimising the violence. Sowore insisted that he and his associates were attacked rather than involved in a confrontation, despite the police describing it as an "altercation" with "minor injuries".
Sowore claimed that Commissioner of Police Falade Adegoroye Michael personally visited the location where he and other victims were receiving emergency medical attention and saw their injuries before the police issued a statement downplaying the incident. A video circulating after the incident showed the commissioner leaving the emergency room after examining the victims.
The attack prompted the Sowore/Magashi Presidential Election Campaign organisation to raise concerns over the candidate's safety and whereabouts. The campaign described the incident as a serious security concern and called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to investigate.
The campaign demanded an immediate security assessment, appropriate protective measures and a thorough investigation into the incident. They warned that any harm to Sowore or members of his team would be unacceptable and demanded accountability from the relevant authorities.
Sowore is contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the AAC, and his visit to Ekiti was connected to his political engagements ahead of the general elections. The attack has raised concerns over the safety of opposition politicians, activists and their supporters amid preparations for the 2027 polls.
Key points
- Sowore alleges DSS and Ekiti State Government House operatives sponsored an attack on him and his team.
- The attack occurred shortly after Sowore concluded a radio interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.
- The Sowore/Magashi Presidential Election Campaign organisation demands an investigation into the incident.
