African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused the Ekiti State government of involvement in a violent assault on him and members of his team, as political activity begins to intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Allegations over Ekiti attack
- Sowore said the Ekiti State government’s denial of responsibility could not obscure what he described as its role in the attack.
- In a statement published on his verified X account on Sunday, he alleged that state authorities had prior knowledge of the incident several hours before it occurred.
- He said that at about 7:30 a.m. on the day of the attack, the governor’s Chief Security Officer told him that his security could not be assured if he continued with political engagements in Ekiti State.
- Later that day, Sowore said he and his associates were attacked in daylight by armed thugs, leaving members of the group injured and robbed.
“The Ekiti State Government’s disgraceful denial cannot hide its involvement in the savage attack against my team and me,” Sowore said.
He argued that the earlier warning was not accidental, describing it as evidence of who may have anticipated, sanctioned or shielded those behind the violence.
“That warning was not a coincidence. It was the strongest indication of who knew the assault was imminent, who approved it and who protected those responsible. The Ekiti State Government should start its explanation there,” he said.
Sowore questioned why the governor’s Chief Security Officer would warn that his safety could not be guaranteed only hours before armed attackers targeted his group. He also asked who approved the call and what the governor knew about the planned assault, and when.
The episode comes amid mounting political tensions as parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 election cycle.
