Sowore Reports Attack, Alleged Kidnapping by Armed Men in Ado-Ekiti

Omoyele Sowore, the 2027 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress, reported being attacked by armed individuals at a dining establishment in Ado-Ekiti on Friday. Sowore shared details of the incident through Facebook posts, stating that he and members of his travelling group were set upon by what he described as politically-motivated assailants while inside the restaurant.

In subsequent posts, he indicated that he had been taken by the attackers and that his location was unknown at the time of reporting. Sowore's initial message on the social media platform stated simply that he had been targeted at the venue.

Follow-up posts escalated the account, claiming he had been forcibly removed. The exact sequence of events, identities of those involved, and the total number of individuals accompanying Sowore remain unclear based on available information.

Security details attached to the activist were reportedly involved in the confrontation, with one account noting that a police officer in his security detail had been disarmed during the altercation. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju issued a statement responding to the reported incident, characterising it as an act of violence and political coercion.

Adeyanju stated that he had been informed of the events by a member of Sowore's team and called for security authorities to conduct an inquiry into the matter, protect Sowore's safety, and identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attack. At the time reports were filed, the Ekiti State Police Command had not released an official statement regarding the incident.

The attack comes amid ongoing political activities leading up to Nigeria's 2027 general election cycle. Several news outlets reported that instances of violence targeting political figures have been increasing as the election period approaches.

Beyond Sowore's Facebook announcements, no official confirmation from law enforcement agencies or other independent sources has been published regarding the full details of what occurred.