ADC Warns FG Over Alleged Plot To Arrest Aregbesola Days To Osun Election
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who said the party had received “credible reports” of moves to arrest Aregbesola in the days leading to the election.
The ADC expressed concern that the alleged development could be part of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment of opposition figures by the Federal Government.
Aregbesola, a former Governor of Osun State and former Minister of Interior under ex-president Muhammadu Buhari administration, is currently serving as the National Secretary of the ADC, which is participating in the August 15 governorship election.
The opposition party argued that if any security agency had legitimate reasons to question Aregbesola, it should follow established legal procedures rather than resort to an arrest on the eve of an election.
“An arrest on the eve of an election in which his party is participating would invite only one reasonable conclusion: that the purpose is to prevent him from leading and coordinating the party’s election activities,” the party said.
The ADC consequently warned the Federal Government and security agencies against any action that could undermine the credibility of the election or escalate tensions in the state.
According to the party, Nigerians are closely watching developments in Osun and would assess the conduct of the authorities before, during and after the election based on their actions rather than explanations offered afterwards.
The ADC further urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to avoid actions capable of plunging Osun State into what it described as a needless crisis.
“Whatever happens before, during and after Saturday’s election will be judged not by the explanations offered afterwards, but by the actions taken now,” the statement added.
The party stressed that Nigeria remained a democracy and called on the Federal Government to uphold democratic principles and allow political parties and their leaders to participate freely in the electoral process.
This allegation comes shortly after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against any action capable of undermining the credibility of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
Atiku issued the warning on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing the ongoing National Youth Leadership Summit of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The ADC presidential candidate described the Osun election as a critical test of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging INEC to ensure that the poll is transparent, credible and conducted in accordance with the law.
He said there must be no “mysterious glitches,” unexplained delays or manipulation of the electoral process, stressing that election materials should arrive promptly and accredited voters should be allowed to cast their ballots freely.
Atiku further demanded an honest counting of votes and transparent transmission of results, warning that the conduct of the Osun election would shape Nigerians’ expectations of the 2027 elections.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu and his administration to “resist any attempt to use government institutions” to secure partisan advantage during the electoral process.
