Sowore, Others Hospitalised After Suspected Political Thugs’ Attack In Ekiti

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been taken to hospital following an attack by suspected political thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The incident, which occurred on Friday at Tawakal’tu Restaurants and Catering Services, reportedly left Sowore and some members of his entourage, including his brother, injured.

A video circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the attack, with reports indicating that the assailants allegedly wielded machetes and inflicted injuries on some members of the campaign team.

Other individuals reportedly present at the restaurant were also said to have sustained injuries during the incident.

Although details surrounding the attack and how Sowore was eventually freed remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, sources quoted in reports said he was rushed to a hospital for medical attention.

Sowore’s media team subsequently accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of allegedly providing the attackers with information about his location.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the team alleged that the attack was carried out by armed men sponsored by the government.

The statement read, “We have been brutally attacked and injured by well-armed government-sponsored thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The @OfficialDSSNG provided these attackers with our exact location, enabling them to carry out this vicious assault. We won’t back down! We have a country to liberate!”

The allegations against the DSS and claims of government involvement had yet to be independently established as of the time of filing this report.

Earlier, the AAC had raised the alarm over Sowore’s whereabouts, calling on the Ekiti State Governor, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in the state to establish his location and guarantee his safety.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex Elanu, the party demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.

The party also warned that it would organise a mass protest at the Ekiti State Government House if the security agencies failed to take appropriate action.

Similarly, Sowore’s campaign organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant security agencies to ensure his safety and account for his whereabouts.

The attack reportedly occurred while Sowore was in Ekiti State for campaign-related activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

At the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, his defence counsel had informed the court that the activist was in Ekiti for campaign engagements.

The court subsequently adjourned his ongoing cyberbullying trial until November 3, 2026.

Sowore, a journalist, human rights activist and politician, is the presidential candidate of the AAC for the 2027 general election. He is known for his criticism of successive Nigerian administrations.