The African Action Congress in Oyo State has called on opposition parties across the country to consider boycotting the 2027 general elections if the Federal Government and security agencies fail to guarantee the safety of politicians, supporters and voters.
The party made the call in a statement issued on Monday by its Oyo State Chairman, Kayode Babayomi, amid growing concerns over alleged political violence, intimidation and attacks on opposition figures ahead of the elections.
The AAC cited the recent attack on its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, as evidence of the security challenges facing opposition politicians.
It said, “We call on opposition parties and democratic forces across Nigeria to consider a collective boycott of the 2027 general elections if the government and relevant security institutions cannot guarantee the safety of political actors, their supporters, and ordinary citizens.”
The party maintained that elections should give candidates a platform to present their policies and visions for national development, not become arenas for violence and intimidation.
It warned that attacks on political actors during campaigns could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and raise questions about the credibility of the 2027 elections.
The party also demanded an immediate investigation into what it described as an assassination attempt on Sowore, urging security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible, including their alleged sponsors.
“We demand that authorities immediately investigate the assassination attempt on our presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and identify and prosecute those responsible, as well as their sponsors, regardless of political affiliation,” the statement added.
The AAC stressed that political parties and their supporters must be allowed to campaign and express their views without the fear of being attacked or killed.
“We cannot legitimise a process that fails to ensure the safety of its participants. Democracy must be protected, and human lives must take precedence over political ambitions,” it stated.
The call followed an incident on Friday, October 30, when Sowore was reportedly attacked by suspected thugs while meeting supporters at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.
Sowore alleged that about 20 armed men attacked him and members of his entourage, leaving him injured. He also accused the state government of sponsoring the attack, an allegation denied by the Ekiti State Government.
However, the Ekiti State Police Command dismissed claims that the politician was kidnapped, describing the incident as an altercation involving some individuals at the restaurant.
The police said Sowore sustained a minor injury and was taken to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical attention.
The command subsequently confirmed the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing.
The AAC reiterated that the protection of political actors and voters was fundamental to ensuring a credible and peaceful electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
