Sowore, Ekiti Police Speak On Attack On AAC Presidential Candidate

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and the Ekiti State Police Command have presented conflicting accounts of a violent incident in Ado-Ekiti, with the politician alleging an ambush by armed thugs while law enforcement categorized it as an “altercation” at a local restaurant.

The dispute stems from a confrontation on Friday at an eatery in the Dalimore district of Ado-Ekiti, involving Sowore and members of his entourage.

At approximately 1:54 p.m., Sowore’s verified X handle posted claims that he had been abducted by government-backed assailants aided by the State Security Service (SSS), stating his location was unknown.

“We have been brutally attacked and injured by well armed government-sponsored thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State,” the post read.

“Since our arrival yesterday, DSS (SSS) operatives have been trailing and harassing us. They even threatened the manager of the first place where we ate, warning him never to allow us to use his premises again,” the statement added.

Refuting the abduction claims, the Ekiti State Police Command released a statement denying that the politician was kidnapped, clarifying that responding officers rescued him from the location following a distress call.

The command confirmed that Sowore suffered minor injuries during the incident and was taken to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical evaluation.

“The Command wishes to categorically clarify that Mr Sowore was not kidnapped. Rather, preliminary information indicates that he had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant around Dalimore area, Ado-Ekiti, following which the Police were immediately alerted,” the police statement read.

Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, subsequently ordered a full investigation to determine the facts of the encounter and apprehend those responsible.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Falade Adegoroye Michael, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the altercation, identify all individuals involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” the command stated.

Dismissing allegations of police complicity as misleading, the command reiterated its mandate to maintain security regardless of political affiliations.

Sowore strongly rejected the police summary, posting a direct response on X disputing the term “altercation” and insisting that his team was targeted in a planned assault.

“There was no altercation! We were attacked!” Sowore posted, accusing the police leadership of attempting to minimize the severity of the violence and his injuries.

In an official press release signed by National Publicity Secretary Rex Elanu, the AAC expressed grave concern over Sowore’s safety, demanding swift action from the Ekiti State Governor, the Inspector-General of Police, and the State Police Commissioner to arrest the perpetrators.

The party warned that it would mobilize nationwide protests targeting the Ekiti State Government House if authorities failed to secure justice and ensure Sowore’s safety.

“We call on the Ekiti State Governor, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police to immediately establish Sowore’s whereabouts, guarantee his safety, arrest the perpetrators, and ensure their prompt prosecution,” the AAC statement read.

Sowore, a prominent human rights advocate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, is making his third bid for the presidency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The activist has faced repeated arrests, state prosecutions, and clashes with Nigerian security forces stemming from anti-government demonstrations and public commentary since 2019.