African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused suspected political thugs of attacking him in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, in what he described as an attempt to intimidate him and silence his opposition activities.
Sowore made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, where he narrated how he was allegedly assaulted while visiting a restaurant to meet with some of his supporters.
According to the activist, about 20 men armed with sticks and bottles suddenly stormed the location and attacked him in broad daylight. He claimed the assailants threatened to kill him if he ever returned to the state.
Describing the incident, Sowore said he was beaten as though he were a criminal, adding that he suffered injuries to his face and other parts of his body. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The AAC presidential candidate also raised concerns over the handling of evidence from the incident, alleging that security operatives had taken possession of CCTV footage showing the attack.
He specifically accused the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) of withholding the recordings, suggesting that the move was intended to prevent the identities of those involved from becoming public.
Sowore further alleged that the Ekiti State Government was behind the attack, claiming that it was part of an effort to suppress opposition voices. However, the state government had yet to publicly respond to the allegation as of the time of reporting.
Despite the alleged assault, the former presidential candidate maintained that the incident would not force him into silence or discourage him from participating in political activities.
He insisted that intimidation, arrests and physical attacks would not stop him from speaking out on issues affecting Nigeria or continuing his campaign for justice and democratic accountability.
The incident has sparked reactions across social media, with several Nigerians expressing concern over the safety of political figures and calling on security agencies to investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
