Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his appeal for peaceful and issue-based political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sowore accused the President of applying double standards, alleging that Tinubu only began emphasising peaceful political engagement after some Nigerians confronted him at a mosque in Abuja.
The activist argued that the President had failed to speak out against previous incidents of alleged violence involving opposition politicians and their supporters, which he attributed to suspected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu had, in a statement on Friday, condemned political violence across the country and urged political parties to centre their campaigns on policies and issues capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.
The President also directed security agencies to take firm action against individuals involved in political thuggery and other activities capable of undermining democratic processes.
Reacting in a post on X on Saturday, Sowore questioned why Tinubu had not similarly condemned earlier incidents of political violence allegedly involving APC members and supporters.
He specifically referred to the recent governorship election in Osun State, alleging that APC supporters and operatives were responsible for the deaths of several people.
Sowore also recalled an attack on his campaign team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on October 30, 2026, which he alleged was carried out by assassins sponsored by the APC and the City Boy Movement.
The AAC presidential candidate claimed that he had publicly accused Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon; and the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunde Ojo, of involvement in the incident.
He said he had called for an independent investigation into the attack but alleged that those identified by his team as principal suspects had not been brought to justice.
The activist further cited an attack on a National Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting in Lagos, where former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was expected to address supporters.
He also alleged that APC supporters had been involved in deadly political violence in Enugu State and attacks on political opponents in Delta State.
“You cannot preach peaceful, issue-based campaigns only when political hostility reaches your doorstep, while rejoicing after your people organise and attack political opponents of your evil All Progressives Congress party,” Sowore wrote.
He maintained that Tinubu’s appeal for peaceful campaigns would remain questionable unless allegations of violence involving members and supporters of the ruling party were also addressed.
