Political Tensions Flare as Sowore Faces Threats and Attack at Lagos Marathon

A disturbing message circulating in WhatsApp groups linked to Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission and former Ogun State Governor, has sparked concerns over the safety of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

The message reportedly sent to former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, read: “Someone needs to treat ASAP the f*** up of this cretin called Yele Sowore….” The threat appeared to be in response to a Facebook post by Sowore, in which he condemned what he described as Nigeria’s corrupt system rewarding individuals involved in political violence.

“They perpetrated numerous murders in Ogun at the behest of Gbenga Daniel and have subsequently relocated to Lagos State and Abuja, receiving lucrative positions as a reward,” Sowore alleged in his post. “How many more lives must be lost before we collectively take a stand against their murderous actions? #RevolutionNow.”

At the 2025 Lagos City Marathon, thugs attacked Sowore and his team, escalating an already tense situation. Witnesses reported that a group of thugs, allegedly led by Olopade and one of the event’s organizers, physically assaulted the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and his associates. The confrontation escalated as journalists attempting to document the incident were also targeted.

A journalist identified as Ufuoma recounted his ordeal, stating that his camera was seized while filming the attack. He claimed he was later offered N2 million to surrender the footage but refused. According to Ufuoma, Olopade’s associates took him to Eko Hotels and Suites, where they allegedly deleted portions of the footage before returning his camera.

The Take It Back Movement called for Olopade’s arrest and an apology from the organizers. They described the incident as a politically motivated assault designed to silence Sowore’s continued criticism of the government.

Olopade, however, denied the allegations, stating that he was merely attempting to defuse the situation. “You can see from the video he posted himself; that I was begging him to return. I did not threaten Sowore,” he said in his defense.

Sowore, the founder of the investigative news platform Sahara Reporters, has long been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His activism against corruption and political oppression has led to multiple arrests and legal battles with security agencies. His #RevolutionNow movement has further positioned him as a persistent challenger to the establishment.

Activists and political observers demand an investigation into the attack and threats against Sowore. The unfolding events highlight Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for press freedom and political accountability.