The organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon have barred AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, from participating in the 2026 edition of the race, citing security concerns and documented conduct.
In an official statement dated October 31, 2026, the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative said it had decided to deny Sowore participation in the 17.5-kilometre race scheduled for Saturday, October 31.
The organisers added that his eligibility for future editions would be subject to further review in line with the event’s participation standards and security considerations.
According to the statement, although Sowore had registered for the race, he was neither issued a race bib number nor cleared to participate.
The initiative stressed that its decision was based on what it described as documented conduct and security considerations, rather than Sowore’s political affiliation, beliefs or political ambitions.
It maintained that while it respected individual political rights, it would not allow activities capable of compromising the safety, neutrality or sporting objectives of the event.
‘The Ikogosi Marathon remains open to participants from all backgrounds who comply with our rules and uphold peaceful sporting engagement,’ the organisers said.
The initiative further reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and politically neutral environment for thousands of runners expected to participate in the event.
The decision comes amid public attention surrounding Sowore’s activities and his recent encounter with security-related controversies in Ekiti State.
However, the marathon organisers did not provide specific details of the documented conduct cited as the basis for excluding him from the competition.