Atiku Condemns Attacks on Sowore, ADC Supporters, Demands Probe

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned reported attacks involving African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State and supporters of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State, describing the incidents as disturbing and unacceptable.

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called for immediate and transparent investigations into both incidents and alleged that opposition leaders and supporters were being targeted by political actors loyal to the ruling party.

According to Atiku, persistent attacks on opposition figures and the alleged disappearance of critical social media influencers raise concerns about democratic freedoms and political tolerance in the country.

The condemnation follows conflicting accounts surrounding an incident involving Sowore at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti on Friday. While the AAC candidate claimed he and his associates were attacked by government-sponsored thugs, the Ekiti State Police Command stated that officers intervened to rescue him after an altercation with certain individuals.

Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu said Sowore sustained minor injuries during the incident and was taken to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for treatment. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Michael Falade, subsequently ordered an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the encounter and identify those responsible.

In Sokoto State, ADC governorship candidate Manir Dan’iya alleged that members of the party’s women’s wing were attacked during a political rally. He claimed that a procession involving thousands of women and youths was disrupted by suspected APC supporters, resulting in injuries, property damage and the theft of valuables.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed that it received reports of the confrontation and deployed officers to the area, adding that investigations were ongoing. However, APC chieftains in the state denied allegations that party members were involved in the attack.

Reacting to both incidents, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as growing efforts to suppress opposition activities. He further alleged that some ADC supporters in Sokoto had faced harassment because of their political affiliation.

The former vice-president urged the Federal Government to protect democratic principles by ensuring a free, fair and competitive political environment ahead of the 2027 elections. He insisted that opposition parties must be allowed to operate freely and participate fully in the electoral process without intimidation or interference.