African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has spoken from a hospital after an alleged attack by armed men at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 1pm on Friday, October 30, while Sowore was in the state for political activities and engagements with party members.
Earlier, Sowore raised the alarm on social media, claiming that armed men had attacked him and members of his team inside a restaurant.
In another post, his campaign alleged that he had been abducted and that his whereabouts were unknown.
However, subsequent reports showed Sowore speaking from a hospital, where he described the incident and accused individuals linked to the Ekiti State Government House of involvement.
In a statement shared on his social media account, Sowore alleged that the attackers came from the Government House and received tracking and operational support from operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He also claimed that DSS operatives had been monitoring and harassing him and members of his team since their arrival in Ekiti.
These allegations have not been independently established.
The identities of the attackers and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain subjects requiring investigation.
The Sowore/Magashi Presidential Election Campaign described the incident as a serious security concern.
In a statement signed by campaign spokesperson Abdulkareem Musa, the campaign called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Independent National Electoral Commission and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the AAC candidate.
The campaign also condemned political violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ayoyinka Oni, the campaign’s Director of Strategy, Policy and Political Affairs, told the Foundation for Investigative Journalism that Sowore had travelled to Ekiti to meet party members and participate in the Ekiti Ikogosi Marathon.
The Ekiti State Police Commissioner, Falade Adegoroye Michael, reportedly visited the scene of the incident.
Sowore subsequently criticised the police response, arguing that the commissioner’s description of the incident did not reflect the seriousness of what happened.
As of the latest reports reviewed, a full account of the incident, the identities of those responsible and the outcome of any police investigation had not been established.
The Ekiti State Government and the DSS should also respond to the allegations made against them.
