Former Chairman of Kwali Area Council and All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate, Hon. Danladi Bomboyi Chiya, has condemned the reported attack on Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), in Ekiti State, calling on the Nigeria Police Force to identify, arrest and prosecute those found responsible.
Chiya described the incident as an unfortunate development that should not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles, stressing that political differences must never become a justification for violence, intimidation or the violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
Reacting to the incident, the former council chairman maintained that politics should be driven by ideas, competition and the freedom of citizens to support candidates of their choice, rather than hostility between political opponents. He emphasised that opposition politicians have legitimate rights to freedom of movement, political association and peaceful campaigning, irrespective of their relationship with the government in power.
According to Chiya, Sowore’s position as an opposition politician does not diminish his constitutional right to move freely, engage with supporters and campaign for political support. He urged all political actors and their supporters to respect democratic principles and refrain from actions capable of threatening peace and political stability.
Chiya also called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to book in accordance with the law. He maintained that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends on their ability to protect citizens and enforce the law without discrimination based on political affiliation.
The APC candidate further defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s democratic credentials, describing him as a leader who understands the importance of political pluralism and the participation of opposition parties in the democratic process.
He argued that political disagreements should not be interpreted as grounds for confrontation, adding that the ability of opposition candidates to participate freely in political activities is essential to the sustenance of democracy.
Chiya also referenced what he described as the provision of security arrangements for presidential candidates by President Tinubu’s administration, alleging that Sowore declined the security offer. He maintained that all political candidates should take advantage of available security arrangements while carrying out their political activities.
However, the claim concerning the alleged offer and its rejection could not be independently verified as of the time of this report.
He also spoke favourably about the political approach of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as a politician whose approach to political affairs reflects the importance of maintaining peace despite disagreements among political actors.
Chiya stressed that Nigeria’s political environment should encourage healthy competition and mutual respect, warning that violence and intimidation could weaken public confidence in the electoral process, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident in Ado-Ekiti has generated conflicting accounts. While Sowore maintains that he and members of his team were attacked by armed men, the Ekiti State Police Command has described the incident as an altercation at a restaurant and confirmed that an investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances and identify those involved. Premium Times Nigeria +1
Chiya’s call for accountability comes amid growing public concern about the safety of political candidates and the need to guarantee a peaceful environment for political engagement across the country.
He maintained that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands, regardless of political interests, and urged the relevant security authorities to ensure that the investigation produces credible results.
For Chiya, the overriding principle remains that democracy must provide room for disagreement without violence, allowing every qualified political candidate to exercise their rights without fear or intimidation. He called on political parties, their supporters and security agencies to work towards preserving peace and protecting the democratic rights of all Nigerians.