Armed men reportedly abducted Nigerian opposition politician and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore during a campaign visit to the southwestern city of Ado-Ekiti on Friday, according to statements published on his official social media accounts.
The unidentified attackers allegedly stormed Tawakalitu Restaurants and Catering Services, where Sowore was present, before forcibly taking him to an undisclosed location.
His official social media accounts announced the incident, describing the attackers as armed thugs and saying his whereabouts remained unknown.
The reported abduction also caused damage to the restaurant, where tables and chairs were overturned or destroyed. A vehicle parked outside was reportedly damaged, while another was left with a flat tyre.
Sowore, a prominent journalist, human rights activist and publisher of the investigative news outlet Sahara Reporters, is the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
A longstanding critic of successive Nigerian governments, Sowore has been an outspoken advocate for political reform, civil liberties and government accountability.
He was visiting Ekiti State as part of activities associated with his presidential campaign when the alleged abduction occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, including the identities of those responsible and their possible motives.
The reported incident has raised concerns about political intimidation and the safety of opposition figures as Nigeria prepares for its 2027 presidential election.
Ekiti State Police Command spokesperson Sunday Abutu had not responded to telephone calls or text messages seeking comment by the time of the initial report.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the reported abduction, and Sowore’s whereabouts remained unknown at the time of publication.
