The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed an attack involving the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti, but dismissed reports that the activist was kidnapped by armed political thugs.
The incident occurred on Friday at a restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, where Sowore and members of his team reportedly had a confrontation with some individuals.
Sowore had earlier raised the alarm through posts on his social media accounts, alleging that armed thugs attacked him and his team inside a restaurant.
In one of the posts, he wrote: “Thugs just attacked us inside a restaurant in Ado Ekiti.”
In another update, a message on his account stated: “Armed thugs kidnap Sowore. His current location is unknown!”
The reports of his alleged abduction generated concerns about the safety of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Police Give Fresh Details About Sowore’s Whereabouts
However, the Ekiti State Police Command subsequently dismissed claims that Sowore had been kidnapped.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said officers received a distress report about an altercation involving the AAC presidential candidate and some individuals at a restaurant.
According to the police, operatives were immediately deployed to the location and successfully rescued Sowore.
The command disclosed that the activist sustained a minor injury during the incident and was receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
The police also confirmed that Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, had ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and identify those involved.
The command urged members of the public to disregard reports of an alleged kidnapping and avoid circulating unverified information capable of creating panic.
Sowore Accuses Government-Sponsored Thugs
In his account of the incident, Sowore alleged that armed government-sponsored thugs attacked him and members of his team.
He also accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of providing the attackers with information about their location.
These allegations have not been independently established, while the police have said an investigation has been ordered to determine what happened.
The incident has renewed concerns about the security of political candidates and their supporters as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
Oyebanji Targets 80 Per Cent Support for Tinubu in Ekiti
The incident occurred a day after Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji challenged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure at least 80 per cent support for President Bola Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election.
Oyebanji made the call on Thursday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti during the inauguration of the Ekiti State chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement.
The event also featured the presentation of 25 campaign vehicles to strengthen grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
The movement was convened by Niger Delta businessman and leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Oyebanji urged APC leaders and supporters to intensify their engagement with voters, particularly undecided residents and eligible voters who failed to participate in previous elections.
He also encouraged party members to identify registered voters with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and persuade them to participate in the January 2027 election.
The governor argued that Ekiti should demonstrate appreciation for what he described as the support received from the Tinubu administration.
He said: “I have always said that in our 30 years as a state, there has been no President who has been as fair and supportive to Ekiti as President Tinubu.”
Oyebanji assured the president that the state would deliver a strong electoral performance in January.
Tompolo’s Movement Explains Donation of 25 Campaign Vehicles
Speaking through the movement’s Grand Patron, High Chief Kestin Pondi, Tompolo said the donation of 25 vehicles was intended to strengthen the organisation’s grassroots campaign activities in Ekiti and other parts of Nigeria.
Pondi urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition, arguing that the administration needed more time to consolidate its economic reforms.
He maintained that the reforms had improved the financial capacity of state governments, enabling them to meet obligations such as workers’ salaries, pensions and development projects.
Pondi also cited ongoing projects in Ekiti as evidence of increased financial resources available to state governments.
He urged APC leaders at the federal, state and local government levels to ensure that the donated vehicles were effectively deployed for campaign mobilisation.
Political Activities Intensify Ahead of 2027 Elections
The reported attack involving Sowore and the mobilisation activities for Tinubu’s re-election campaign highlight the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While the AAC presidential candidate has alleged an attack by government-sponsored thugs, the Ekiti police have described the incident as an altercation and denied that he was kidnapped.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, political parties and campaign organisations are continuing their mobilisation efforts as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.
