Former presidential adviser and Senator Babafemi Ojudu has condemned the reported attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State, insisting that political disagreements should never be used to justify violence.
In a statement titled Ekiti Must Be Safe for Dissent, Ojudu said every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation or personal views, should be free to express opinions, organise meetings and participate in political activities without fear of intimidation.
He described the reported attack as unacceptable and warned that allowing political differences to degenerate into physical violence could undermine democratic freedoms.
Ojudu, who reflected on his experiences during previous political administrations in Ekiti, said those who had suffered intimidation while in opposition had a responsibility to protect the rights of others, including people whose political views they disagreed with.
He recalled incidents during the administration of former Governor Ayo Fayose, including the disruption of opposition gatherings, attacks on political leaders and the destruction of vehicles at a meeting in Omugbagba, Ado-Ekiti, in 2006.
He also recalled an incident in which several opposition figures, including Bola Tinubu, Niyi Adebayo, Olusegun Osoba and Bisi Akande, were reportedly held in Iyin-Ekiti for nearly 12 hours while attending the funeral of the mother of Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
According to Ojudu, such experiences should remind political leaders of the importance of protecting democratic freedoms, regardless of which party controls government.
He also referenced violence during the campaign for former Governor Kayode Fayemi’s second term, when a young man from Ijero Local Government Area reportedly lost his life.
Turning to the current administration, Ojudu credited Governor Biodun Oyebanji with promoting peaceful politics and accommodating differing opinions.
He said he welcomed the governor’s public disassociation of his administration from the reported attack, adding that he had personally spoken with Oyebanji about the incident and found his response sincere.
However, Ojudu said the best way to protect the governor’s record and restore confidence would be to ensure a transparent investigation and hold anyone found responsible accountable, irrespective of political connections.
He maintained that anyone visiting Ekiti to campaign, hold meetings, grant interviews or promote a political position should be able to do so without fear.
The former senator also advised political actors to respond to criticism through lawful means rather than intimidation, arguing that even harsh or unpopular opinions must be protected in a democracy.
He said the right to speak also protects the public’s right to listen to different viewpoints and make informed decisions.
Ojudu further called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for political candidates, campaigners and members of the public ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While welcoming reports of arrests in connection with the incident, he stressed that arrests should be followed by a thorough and impartial investigation, with prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.
He also called for anyone found to have organised, sponsored or facilitated the violence to be held accountable under the law.
Ojudu concluded that political parties must protect democratic freedoms even when they are in power, noting that the same rights they defend for their opponents today may become necessary for them in the future.
He urged political leaders and supporters to allow disagreements to be settled through debate and the ballot box rather than violence.
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