Sowore Attack: “Don’t Become What We Suffered” – Ojudu Warns APC

Former presidential adviser, Babafemi Ojudu, has warned members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against allowing political intolerance and violence to thrive in Ekiti State, following the attack on activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore was reportedly attacked by suspected political thugs during a visit to Ekiti State, an incident that generated condemnation and renewed concerns about the safety of opposition figures and freedom of political expression.

Ojudu, in a statement titled, ‘Ekiti Must Be Safe for Dissent’, condemned the violence against Sowore, insisting that political disagreements must never become justification for physical attacks.

“Whatever anyone thinks of Sowore, his politics or his methods, disagreement cannot justify assault. No individual or group has the right to turn political displeasure into a licence to brutalise another citizen,” he said.

The former senator urged the APC not to become what its members had suffered when they were in opposition, recalling incidents of political intimidation and violence during previous administrations in Ekiti.

He cited attacks on opposition gatherings, including the alleged disruption of a meeting at Omugbagba in Ado-Ekiti in 2006, where party leaders were assaulted, more than 20 vehicles destroyed and several members subsequently arrested and detained.

Ojudu also recalled an occasion when prominent opposition figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, former Ekiti governor, Niyi Adebayo, and former Osun governor, Bisi Akande, were allegedly held in Iyin-Ekiti for close to 12 hours while attending a funeral.

He said such experiences should strengthen the commitment of those now in government to protect the rights of political opponents rather than reproduce the injustices they once condemned.

“Having condemned intimidation when we were its victims, we must condemn it with equal conviction now that our party is in government,” he said.

Ojudu, however, credited Governor Biodun Oyebanji with rejecting political violence, disclosing that he had spoken with the governor about the Sowore incident and found him sincere in distancing his administration from the attack.

He called for a transparent investigation, prosecution where evidence warrants it and punishment for anyone found responsible, including those who organised or sponsored the violence.

He also urged security agencies to guarantee the safety of political actors as the 2027 general elections approach.

“Sowore does not have to be right on every issue for his rights to deserve protection. Neither does he have to be polite, popular or politically convenient,” Ojudu stressed.

And, added: “Let Sowore speak. Let those who disagree with him answer him. Let the people decide.”