The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) has called for an independent investigation into the alleged attack on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and members of his campaign team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
The group also demanded that Governor Biodun Oyebanji publicly address allegations that government-linked individuals sponsored the attack, insisting that anyone found culpable, including alleged sponsors, must be brought to justice.
In a statement issued on Friday, WYSN condemned the incident, which reportedly occurred at a restaurant around 1 p.m., shortly after Sowore attended an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.
The group said armed individuals stormed the premises, assaulted Sowore and members of his team, vandalised property and injured several people.
It added that Sowore was subsequently taken to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical treatment.
WYSN noted that the Ekiti State Police Command had confirmed the incident and ordered an investigation, although the police reportedly disputed initial accounts of kidnapping, describing the incident as an altercation.
The organisation, however, said Sowore had rejected that account and maintained that he and members of his team were violently attacked.
It further called for a thorough investigation into Sowore’s allegations that the attackers were government-sponsored thugs who came from the Ekiti State Government House, with operatives of the Department of State Services allegedly providing tracking and operational support.
The group also called for the investigation of individuals allegedly linked to the incident, including a person identified as Don Flexy.
According to WYSN, the incident raises serious concerns about political violence, freedom of expression and the safety of opposition figures as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It warned against the use of armed groups to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent or prevent citizens from exercising their democratic rights.
“This is not simply an attack on one political candidate; it is an attack on democratic freedoms, political participation and the fundamental rights of every Nigerian,” the statement said.
The organisation cautioned against a political environment in which guns, cult groups and hired thugs replace political debate, democratic engagement and citizens’ freedom to organise.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to governors, political godfathers or their hired enforcers. No political office is worth the blood, freedom or dignity of any Nigerian,” it added.
WYSN urged the governor and relevant security agencies to provide explanations and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident were established through a transparent investigation.
