EndBadGovernance group demands independent probe into alleged assassination attempt on Sowore

The Lagos State chapter of the #EndBadGovernance Movement has called for an independent investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), in Ekiti State.

Sowore was attacked by machete-wielding thugs on Friday, October 30, 2026, in what the activist claimed was carried out by elements loyal to the government of Ekiti State.

A statement by Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Oloye Adegboyega-Adeniji on behalf of the organizing committee of the #EndBadGovernance Movement said it strongly condemns in the most unequivocal and uncompromising terms, the reported brutal attack.

According to the group, the reported incident represents a grave assault on human life, democratic participation, freedom of expression and the fundamental constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.

“We hereby demand an independent investigation into the incident by a democratically-constituted probe panel comprising personnel of the police and other security agencies, elected representatives of civil society organizations, unions and professional groups like the NBA and the NUJ. The aim of this investigation should be to identify those responsible for this condemnable attack, not only foot soldiers but also their sponsors, and their immediate arrest and prosecution in a competent court of law,” it said.

EndBadGovernance Movement said it is particularly disturbed by the allegations surrounding the circumstances of the attack, including claims of prior threats, coordinated mobilization of armed individuals, surveillance of the victim’s movements and possible involvement or complicity of security personnel.

It said: “The allegations made public by Comrade Sowore concerning individuals reportedly connected to the incident, including persons associated with political officeholders and government institutions, are extremely serious. They must not be dismissed, suppressed or trivialized as political propaganda. If any public official, political appointee, security operative or private individual is found to have planned, financed, facilitated, participated in or covered up this attack, such persons must face the full consequences of the law, irrespective of their political connections, government appointments, family relationships or proximity to power.”

According to the group, despite the circulation of video footage clearly showing the attackers of Sowore and members, no arrests have been made of those visibly identified in the footage.

“We find it suspicious that the police, who initially attempted to downplay the incident by describing it as a mere altercation in a restaurant, subsequently announced the arrest of 11 persons following public pressure, yet reportedly failed to reach out to the victims to assist with the investigation and identify the perpetrators. More disturbing is the fact that individuals whose faces were clearly captured on camera continue to walk freely without being apprehended. This raises serious questions about the sincerity, transparency and commitment of the police investigation. We demand immediate action to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the attack,” it said.

It added: “Today, the victim is Omoyele Sowore. Tomorrow, it could be a journalist, student leader, labour organizer, opposition politician, human rights defender, community activist or an ordinary Nigerian who dares to question those in authority. A nation cannot be said to be democratic when citizens are afraid to speak, assemble, protest, organize or challenge government policies for fear of being attacked by political enforcers. The constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association belongs to every Nigerian.

“These rights are not privileges granted by the President, governors, political parties or security agencies. They are fundamental rights that government institutions have a duty to protect.

“We remind the Federal Government that the responsibility of the state is to protect every Nigerian, including its fiercest critics and political opponents. Security institutions must serve the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not the interests of individuals or political establishments.

“The #EndBadGovernance movement, Lagos State, will not accept a situation where alleged political violence is normalized, perpetrators are shielded by influence, victims are discredited and accountability is sacrificed on the altar of political loyalty.”