2027: Sowore Blasts DSS Over Alleged Discrimination At Peace Accord

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of subjecting him to discriminatory treatment at the Peace Accord signing ceremony ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to IReporter Online, Sowore made the allegation in a post on his official X account after arriving at the venue of the event organised by the National Peace Committee.

The AAC candidate claimed that DSS operatives stopped him at the entrance and demanded to see his invitation letter, despite allegedly acknowledging that they knew he was one of the presidential candidates expected at the ceremony.

Sowore further alleged that while he was being questioned, another presidential candidate arrived with a large convoy and was allowed into the venue without undergoing what he described as similar treatment.

The activist also claimed that security officials subsequently informed him that his staff members would not be permitted to enter the venue with him.

According to Sowore, his camera crew was also prevented from gaining access, prompting him to reject what he described as unequal treatment.

He argued that all presidential candidates attending a peace accord should be treated with the same level of dignity and respect, regardless of the size of their convoys, security details or perceived political influence.

Sowore criticised what he described as a culture within Nigeria’s security system where individuals without large entourages or heavily armed escorts could be treated differently.

He maintained that his decision to challenge the security restrictions was based on his belief that presidential candidates should enjoy equal treatment at an event designed to promote peaceful political competition.

The AAC candidate said he would not accept what he considered discriminatory conduct and insisted on his rights at the venue.

The Peace Accord signing was organised ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, with political actors expected to commit themselves to peaceful and issue-based campaigns.