The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has recounted his experience following an alleged violent attack on him and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Sowore described the incident as a brutal assault, claiming that approximately 20 men armed with sticks and bottles attacked him while he was meeting some of his supporters at a restaurant.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today on Friday, October 30, 2026, the activist said the attackers emerged suddenly and subjected him to physical violence.
"They beat me like a criminal. They came from nowhere, about 20 of them, armed with sticks and bottles. They said they will kill me if I come to Ekiti again," Sowore said.
He disclosed that he sustained injuries to his face and other parts of his body and was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The incident has generated political and security concerns, particularly over the safety of opposition politicians and the protection of citizens exercising their political rights.
During the television interview, Sowore claimed that the incident was captured by CCTV cameras installed at the restaurant where the alleged attack occurred.
However, he accused security operatives of taking possession of the footage, alleging that the action was intended to prevent the public from identifying those involved.
He specifically mentioned the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging that the agencies had taken control of the recordings.
These allegations have not been independently verified, and the DSS had not publicly responded to them as of the time of filing this report.
Sowore also accused the Ekiti State Government of sponsoring the attack in an attempt to intimidate him and suppress opposition activities in the state.
The allegation is yet to be established, and the state government had not publicly issued a response to his accusation at the time of reporting.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Police Command has provided a different account of the incident, describing it as an altercation between Sowore and some individuals at a restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, the command said it received information about the incident and immediately deployed officers to the location.
According to the police, operatives intervened, rescued Sowore and other affected individuals, and ensured they received medical attention at the Police Cottage Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
The command also dismissed reports that the AAC presidential candidate had been kidnapped, insisting that he was not abducted.
The Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, reportedly ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
The police further disclosed that Sowore and other affected persons received treatment and were discharged from the hospital.
In a subsequent statement, the command said Sowore had not formally notified the police of his arrival and movements within Ekiti State, arguing that such notification would have helped the command make adequate security arrangements for him.
The police also claimed that efforts to obtain his formal statement were unsuccessful because he declined to provide one on several occasions.
However, Sowore rejected the police description of the incident as an altercation, insisting that he and his associates were attacked.
The African Action Congress had earlier expressed concern over the incident, raising an alarm about the safety of its presidential candidate and members of his team.
The party called on relevant security agencies, including the police, DSS and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to intervene and ensure that those responsible were identified.
The party also demanded an immediate security assessment and adequate protection for its members, warning against the use of violence to intimidate political opponents.
The development has renewed conversations about political intolerance, freedom of association and the need for security agencies to remain neutral in matters involving political parties and their candidates.
The incident comes at a time when political activities and preparations ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections are expected to intensify.
Any reported attack on a political figure, regardless of party affiliation, raises concerns about the country's democratic environment and the safety of individuals participating in political activities.
Nigeria's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. These rights must be protected irrespective of political beliefs or affiliations.
The conflicting accounts from Sowore and the police also make an impartial investigation particularly important.
Establishing what happened, identifying those responsible and making relevant findings public would help strengthen public confidence in the security system.
Despite the reported assault, Sowore maintained that the incident would not discourage him from speaking against injustice or continuing his political activities.
He insisted that intimidation, arrests or physical attacks would not stop his advocacy for democracy and accountability in Nigeria.
The Ekiti Police Command has promised an investigation into the incident, while allegations of political sponsorship and the reported seizure of CCTV footage remain unresolved.
Ultimately, the credibility of the investigation and the authorities' willingness to establish the facts will be crucial in addressing public concerns.
For now, Nigerians await further developments as attention remains focused on the safety of political actors and the protection of democratic freedoms in Ekiti State and across the country.