AAC Condemns Alleged Surveillance of Sowore, Demands Independent Investigation
The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the alleged surveillance of its 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the incident as a disturbing escalation in what it called the alleged targeting and intimidation of political opposition by Nigeria’s security agencies.
In a statement issued and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rex I. Elanu, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, the AAC said members of Sowore’s team discovered an electronic tracking device attached underneath a security vehicle used during his recent visit to Port Harcourt for the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference.
According to the party, the device was identified as a Spytec GPS GL300, with IMEI number 860201067972185.
The AAC alleged that the device could be linked to the Department of State Services (DSS), citing what it described as a pattern of recent actions against Sowore’s freedom and personal safety.
“Following recent antecedence of the State, we have every reason to believe that this is another malicious antic of the Department of State Services (DSS),” the statement said.
The party further alleged that the DSS had yet to publicly respond to claims that Sowore was being monitored, despite reports by several media organisations.
AAC Raises Concerns Over Alleged Intimidation
The AAC expressed concern over what it described as a longstanding pattern of arrests, detention, prosecution and intimidation involving Sowore because of his political activism and criticism of the government.
The party also criticised the ongoing prosecution of Sowore over social media comments in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”
According to the AAC, the alleged surveillance is particularly concerning because Sowore is not only a prominent critic of the Tinubu administration but also the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The party argued that the alleged continued targeting of its candidate raises serious questions about political freedom and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The Tinubu government must understand that Sowore’s determination to speak truth to power cannot be defeated by surveillance, intimidation or courtroom harassment,” the AAC said.
Party Demands Probe
The AAC called for an independent investigation into the alleged tracking device, including an examination of who procured it, who authorised its deployment and the purpose for which it was allegedly used.
The party also urged international human rights organisations, diplomatic missions and democratic governments to closely monitor Sowore’s safety and the ongoing prosecution against him as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
It said it would pursue what it described as every legitimate avenue to seek accountability, including Nigerian courts, democratic institutions, diplomatic missions and international human rights organisations.
“The AAC will not look away. We will not be intimidated. We will document every abuse. We will pursue accountability,” the statement added.
The party maintained that the government does not own the Nigerian people, insisting that Sowore and the AAC would continue to advocate for freedom, justice and accountable governance.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor developments surrounding the alleged surveillance and any response from the DSS or other relevant authorities.
