The African Action Congress (AAC) has raised alarm over what it describes as an alleged assassination attempt on its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, following an incident during the June 12 Democracy Day protest in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the opposition party accused security operatives of escalating a long-running campaign of persecution against Sowore after an aerosol-based substance was allegedly sprayed into his face during the demonstration, causing him to collapse and temporarily lose consciousness.

The party maintained that the incident was not an isolated occurrence but part of what it called a disturbing pattern of attacks, arrests, prosecutions, and harassment directed at the activist and former presidential candidate over the years.

According to AAC, the development raises serious concerns about the state of democracy and civil liberties in Nigeria, warning that opposition voices and government critics are increasingly being subjected to intimidation and repression.

The party cited several past incidents involving Sowore, including multiple arrests, alleged assaults by security personnel, court-related controversies, and other confrontations, which it believes point to a sustained effort to silence him.AAC further referenced the controversial death of former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo after exposure to tear gas at a political rally in 2003, arguing that the incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by opposition figures in politically charged environments.

The opposition party also alleged that after repeated physical confrontations failed to deter Sowore, authorities resorted to what it described as politically motivated prosecutions, travel restrictions, and legal harassment.

Expressing concern over what it called escalating threats against its presidential candidate, AAC appealed to the international community, democratic governments, human rights organisations, and global institutions to closely monitor developments and take steps to prevent further attacks.

“The rights of citizens to protest peacefully and the rights of opposition figures to participate freely in the democratic process must be respected and protected,” the party stated.

AAC insisted that intimidation, repression, or violence would not deter its members from pursuing what it described as the struggle for justice, accountability, freedom, and democratic governance in Nigeria.