Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has spoken out after an alleged attack by suspected political thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. In a video shared on social media, Sowore accused individuals linked to the Ekiti State Government House of carrying out the attack. He also alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) provided support to the attackers. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the state.
According to Sowore, the attack occurred shortly after he concluded an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti. He claimed that the thugs descended on him and his team, allegedly with the assistance of the DSS. Sowore also alleged that DSS operatives had been monitoring and harassing him and members of his team since they arrived in Ekiti State. The activist made the allegations in a post on his X account.
Sowore's allegations have sparked widespread concern, with many Nigerians expressing outrage on social media. The attack comes a day after Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, challenged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure at least 80 per cent of registered voters' support for President Bola Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election. Oyebanji made the appeal during the inauguration of the state chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement.
The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, convened by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aims to strengthen support for President Tinubu through grassroots mobilisation and direct engagement with voters. During the event, Oyebanji urged APC leaders and members to intensify their mobilisation efforts and reach undecided voters. He also called on campaigners to identify eligible voters with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) who did not participate in previous elections.
Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence that Ekiti State would perform well in the forthcoming election, citing the state's appreciation for the support it has received from the Tinubu administration. He maintained that federal government support had contributed to his administration's development efforts. Oyebanji's comments have been seen as a show of loyalty to President Tinubu.
The alleged attack on Sowore has raised questions about the security situation in Ekiti State, particularly in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election. Sowore's claims of harassment and intimidation by DSS operatives have also sparked concerns about the role of security agencies in the electoral process. An investigation into the incident is expected to be launched.
The incident has generated significant attention, with many Nigerians calling for an investigation into the alleged attack. Sowore's supporters have expressed concern for his safety, while others have condemned the alleged attack as a breach of his human rights. The development has highlighted the tensions surrounding the 2027 presidential election.
Key points
- Omoyele Sowore alleges that government-linked thugs and DSS operatives attacked him in Ado-Ekiti.
- The attack occurred shortly after Sowore concluded an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.
- The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Ekiti State ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
