Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State — The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed reports that African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was abducted by armed thugs in Ado-Ekiti, saying officers rescued him following an altercation at a restaurant.
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been attacked by suspected political thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, triggering conflicting accounts over his safety and whereabouts.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, October 30, 2026, initially generated fears of an abduction after Sowore and members of his campaign team raised the alarm that armed men had attacked them inside a restaurant.
Sahara Reporters initially reported that Sowore had been abducted by armed men, with his whereabouts unknown.
The publication also shared a live interview with AAC National Publicity Secretary, Rex Elanu, who spoke to SaharaTV about the reported incident.
In an earlier statement, Sowore had written on social media:
“Thugs just attacked us inside a restaurant in Ado Ekiti.”
A subsequent announcement claimed that armed thugs had kidnapped him and that his location was unknown.
Police Debunk Abduction Claims, Say Officers Rescued Sowore
However, the Ekiti State Police Command subsequently dismissed the abduction narrative, offering a different account of what transpired.
According to the police, Sowore was involved in an altercation at the restaurant but was rescued by police officers who intervened during the incident.
The Command reportedly confirmed that the activist sustained minor injuries and was receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
The police clarification effectively established that Sowore was not missing or being held by his alleged attackers at the time of the statement.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the identities of those involved and what triggered the altercation, remain matters requiring further investigation.
Sowore Speaks From Hospital, Accuses Government House-Linked Individuals
In a subsequent development, Sowore spoke from his hospital bed, confirming that he had been attacked.
The AAC presidential candidate accused individuals allegedly linked to the Ekiti State Government House of being behind the assault.
His allegation introduces a political dimension to the incident, particularly as political activities and mobilisation intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the allegation linking the attackers to the Ekiti State Government House has not been independently established.
The Ekiti State Government’s response to the accusation was not immediately available.
AAC Raises Security Concerns
The reported attack has also raised concerns within the African Action Congress and the presidential candidate’s campaign organisation.
The campaign had earlier expressed concern over Sowore’s whereabouts and called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It also demanded appropriate security measures and a thorough investigation.
The incident has renewed questions about the safety of political candidates, their supporters and campaign teams as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Political Violence and the 2027 Elections
The attack comes against the backdrop of heightened political activities across Nigeria, with political parties and presidential aspirants stepping up mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, is seeking the presidency in 2027 on the platform of the African Action Congress.
The incident in Ado-Ekiti underscores the importance of protecting political actors and ensuring that electoral competition does not degenerate into intimidation or physical violence.
While the police have dismissed the initial abduction narrative, the alleged assault, the identity of those responsible and Sowore’s accusation against individuals linked to the Government House require a transparent investigation.
The authorities are expected to establish the full circumstances of the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
This Dawn News will continue to monitor developments.
