MOT!ON, Civil Society Groups Condemn Attacks on Sowore, Obi, Demand Probe

By Zainab Uzomah

The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOT!ON) and three civil society organisations have condemned recent attacks on opposition political figures and their supporters, warning that political violence threatens the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The organisations, in a joint statement issued in Abuja on November 5, expressed concern over the attacks on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti on October 30, and the convoy of Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Calabar on November 4.

They also cited the alleged obstruction of Obi’s movement in Benue State and reports of intimidation involving members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto as evidence of growing threats to political freedom.

According to the groups, Sowore and members of his team sustained injuries and were hospitalised following a violent confrontation in Ekiti, while 11 suspects were arrested.

They added that suspected attackers armed with dangerous objects damaged vehicles in Obi’s convoy in Calabar, with the police confirming an arrest.

While acknowledging the arrests, the organisations called for comprehensive investigations to establish whether the attacks were organised or sponsored and identify possible financiers, organisers or public officials involved.

They also urged security agencies to investigate allegations of complicity or failure by security personnel to prevent the incidents.

The groups said Sections 95 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2026 place an obligation on the police to protect political gatherings, arguing that the recurrence of such attacks raised questions about the enforcement of the law.

They warned that elections could not be considered free and fair if opposition candidates and their supporters were unable to travel, organise meetings, address communities and mobilise voters without intimidation.

Citing the National Voting Intentions Survey (NVIS 3.0) released by Yiaga Africa, the organisations said 84 per cent of Nigerians were likely or very likely to vote in the 2027 elections, while 61 per cent identified fear of violence as a possible reason they might not participate.

They further referenced the National Peace Committee’s report of 60 election-related incidents between August 19 and September 19, 2026, involving attacks on political activities, intimidation, threats and violence.

The organisations stressed that defending the democratic rights of opposition politicians did not amount to endorsing their political programmes, insisting that constitutional freedoms must be protected regardless of political affiliation.

They called on trade unions, student organisations, professional bodies, community associations and civil society groups to resist political intimidation through peaceful and organised action.

Specifically, they urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that investigations into the Ekiti and Calabar incidents identify not only the direct perpetrators but also any sponsors, financiers or officials who may have facilitated the attacks.

They also called for the preservation of CCTV footage, communications, medical reports and eyewitness accounts, alongside regular public updates on the investigations.

The groups urged President Bola Tinubu, state governors, the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to publicly affirm the political neutrality of security institutions and ensure that protection is not determined by loyalty to the ruling party.

They further asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), working through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), to establish transparent procedures for protecting political gatherings, campaign movements and access to lawful venues.

The National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations were also urged to monitor alleged abuses against opposition candidates, political organisers and protesters and provide safe reporting channels for victims and witnesses.

The statement called on all political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, to reject the mobilisation, financing or protection of violent groups.

It was jointly signed by the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOT!ON), ActionAid Nigeria, CentreLSD and the Abuja School of Political and Social Thoughts.