Presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called on the global governing body for athletics, World Athletics, to immediately sanction the organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon in Ekiti State and blacklist them for being complicit in the violent attacks he suffered on Friday in Ekiti.
Galaxy TV reported that Ikogosi Marathon Initiative denied Sowore permission to participate in the 2026 Ikogosi 17.5km Race scheduled for Saturday, October 31.
Giving a reason, the organisers said they are concerned about a recent attack by thugs on Sowore and his associates in Ekiti State.
The organisers said that following a review of independently obtained and verifiable evidence, including activities by Sowore and his associates within the Ikogosi Marathon office premises and elsewhere in Ekiti State, they determined that his participation raises serious security concerns inconsistent with their commitment to a peaceful sporting environment.
"Consequently, the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative has decided to deny Mr. Omoyele Sowore participation in the 2026 Ikogosi 17.5km Race scheduled for Saturday, 31 October 2026. His eligibility for future events will be subject to further review in accordance with our participation standards and security considerations.
"Although Mr. Sowore registered for the event, he was neither issued a race BIB number nor cleared to participate.
"This decision is based on documented conduct and security considerations, not Mr. Sowore's political affiliation, beliefs, or aspirations. The Initiative respects individual political rights but will not permit activities compromising the safety, neutrality, or sporting objectives of our event.
"The Ikogosi Marathon remains open to participants from all backgrounds who comply with our rules and uphold peaceful sporting engagement," the organisers said.
They reaffirmed their commitment to political neutrality, peaceful sporting participation, and the safety of all athletes, volunteers, officials, and spectators.
"As we welcome thousands of runners on 31 October 2026, we remain committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and politically neutral environment for everyone," the organisers said.
Reacting, Sowore issued a statement describing the organisers' action as shameful. He also accused them of being "complicit in the violent attacks against me and members of my team who were registered to partake in the competition."
Urging World Athletics to sanction them, he said they must never again be permitted to organise or participate in sporting events that bring people together in the spirit of peace, unity, and healthy competition.
"I further call for international sanctions against the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, and the organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon, including Makinde Araoye, for their involvement in these attacks or efforts to facilitate them.
"Sporting events must never become hunting grounds for political thugs, government-sponsored violence, intimidation, or assassination. Runners and other participants must be guaranteed safety, regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations.
"We intend to pursue further legal and measures against the organisers and the Ekiti State Government over this inhuman conduct, which endangered lives and violated the fundamental principles of sportsmanship and human dignity.
"The circumstances surrounding these coordinated attacks raise grave questions about the involvement of the event organisers and state authorities. I demand a thorough, independent investigation to establish the full extent of their roles and hold everyone responsible and accountable.
"Let it be known that nobody involved in these attacks will be allowed to escape accountability. No political office, government connection, or sporting platform should provide immunity for violence against innocent citizens.
"We will pursue justice through every lawful avenue available, nationally and internationally," Sowore said.
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