By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Social Democratic Party’s candidate for Ife Federal Constituency, Akintola Najmud-deen Akinjide, has condemned the violent attack on The Gazelle News reporter, Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola, who was assaulted by suspected hoodlums while covering the Osun State governorship election.
Akinjide made the condemnation in a press release issued on Saturday, 12 September, 2026, describing the assault, which occurred on election day, as a direct attack not only on the journalist but on press freedom, democracy and citizens’ right to information.
He said targeting a journalist who was at the election venue to document events for public accountability was barbaric and unacceptable in any civilised society.
The SDP candidate likened the attack to cruelty inflicted on children and women on warfronts, arguing that assaulting an unarmed journalist discharging a constitutionally guaranteed duty amounted to a crime against humanity and democratic values.
“A society that allows those who wield pens and cameras to be beaten into silence is a society sliding toward lawlessness,” he said.
Akinjide demanded that the Nigeria Police Force, particularly its Osun State Command, launch a full, transparent and time-bound investigation into the incident, with the perpetrators identified, arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
He also called on the Osun State Government to support the investigation, provide the victim with necessary assistance for medical care and recovery, and ensure that those responsible are brought to book without delay or political interference.
“The government must send a clear signal that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated under any administration,” he said.
He further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and other political stakeholders to strengthen mechanisms guaranteeing the safety of journalists during elections and other civic processes.
Describing press freedom as “the oxygen of democracy,” Akinjide said any attempt to suffocate it through violence and intimidation amounted to an attack on all Nigerians.
He expressed solidarity with thegazellenews.com, the victim, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and other media practitioners, vowing: “We will not be silent until justice is done.”
