Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has accused President Bola Tinubu of double standards over his call for peaceful and issue-based political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sowore argued that Tinubu’s appeal for political tolerance came only after the President was allegedly confronted and embarrassed by some Nigerians at a mosque in Abuja.
The activist questioned why the President had not spoken out against previous incidents of political violence allegedly involving members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu had, in a statement issued on Friday, condemned political violence across the country and urged political parties to focus their campaigns on policies and issues that would improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The President also directed security agencies to take firm action against individuals involved in political thuggery and other activities capable of undermining democracy.
However, reacting in a post on X on Saturday, Sowore challenged Tinubu to demonstrate the same commitment to peaceful politics by addressing allegations of attacks on opposition politicians and their supporters.
He specifically referenced the recent governorship election in Osun State, alleging that APC operatives and supporters were responsible for the killing of several people.
Sowore also recalled an attack on his 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 alleged attack but claimed that those his team identified as principal suspects had yet to face justice.
Sowore further cited an attack on a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 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 against political opponents in Delta State.
In his reaction, Sowore accused the President of advocating peaceful campaigns only when political hostility affected him personally.
“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.
The activist maintained that Tinubu’s appeal for peaceful political campaigns would remain questionable unless the President also addressed allegations of violence involving members and supporters of the ruling APC.
His comments have brought renewed attention to concerns about political violence, opposition safety and the responsibility of political leaders to ensure peaceful campaigns ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
