Sowore Accuses Police of Tear-Gassing Delegation En Route to Osun AAC Campaign Rally

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has accused police personnel deployed for the Osun State governorship election of attacking him and his team with tear gas on their way to Osogbo.

The activist made the allegation in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that the incident occurred while traveling to the state capital to attend a mega rally for the AAC governorship candidate, Olajide Esan.

According to Sowore, the police officers initially engaged his delegation in a peaceful and respectful interaction before throwing a tear gas canister at the group as they prepared to depart.

Video footage shared online showed police officers greeting and shaking hands with Sowore before a tear gas canister exploded nearby, causing the crowd to scatter and forcing Sowore into a waiting vehicle while coughing.

Despite the incident, the AAC leader confirmed that he and his team successfully arrived in Osogbo for the campaign event. He criticized the actions of the security operatives, stating that law enforcement should focus on safeguarding citizens and protecting the democratic process rather than intimidating political actors.

Police authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident as security operations remain heightened across Osun State ahead of the governorship poll.