The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of encouraging political intolerance, following a reported attack on the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Cross River State.
Sowore condemned the incident, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday as Obi was heading to a town hall meeting in Calabar, the state capital, describing political violence as unacceptable regardless of party affiliation.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Sowore alleged that state-sponsored thuggery had become a feature of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, blaming what he described as intolerance within the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
He called on Nigerians to reject political intimidation and violence, warning that no government could suppress the will of the people indefinitely.
Sowore wrote: “State-sponsored thuggery has become a feature of the build-up to the 2027 elections, fueled by the political intolerance of the @officialABAT Tinubu-led @OfficialAPCNg regime.
“I strongly condemn the reported attack on @PeterObi’s convoy in Calabar. Political violence against anyone, regardless of party affiliation, must never be tolerated.
“But don’t expect much from the @policeng or security agencies because of their complicity in political intimidation and violence.
“Nigerians will not tolerate this reign of intimidation forever. The people will collectively rise in resistance against political violence, repression, and impunity soon. No regime can suppress the people’s will indefinitely.”
The AAC candidate also questioned the commitment of the police and other security agencies to addressing political intimidation, alleging that their conduct had contributed to the problem.
However, Sowore’s claims of government involvement and security agencies’ complicity were allegations contained in his statement and had not been independently established.
The reported attack has renewed concerns over political security and the safety of political figures as parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 general elections.
