ADC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plan to Arrest Aregbesola Ahead of Osun Election

ADC has raised concerns over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of the Osun election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it had received what it described as credible reports of plans to arrest Aregbesola in the days leading to the election.

The party said the allegation could not be ignored, given what it described as a pattern of intimidation, harassment and alleged misuse of state institutions against opposition figures.

Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State and former Minister of the Federal Republic, currently serves as the National Secretary of the ADC, which is participating in Saturday’s governorship election.

The party argued that if any security agency has a lawful reason to question or invite its national secretary, there are established procedures that should be followed.

According to the ADC, any attempt to arrest Aregbesola immediately before the election could raise concerns about the motive behind such an action, particularly because of his role in coordinating the party’s activities.

“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 statement said.

The opposition party therefore called on the Federal Government and security agencies to exercise caution in their actions ahead of the election.

The ADC warned that developments in Osun State were being closely watched by Nigerians and that actions taken before, during and after the election would be judged based on what authorities do rather than explanations offered afterwards.

“The eyes of Nigerians are on Osun,” the party said.

The party also warned against any action that could increase political tension in the state, urging the Federal Government to avoid measures that could trigger what it described as a needless crisis.

“Nigeria is still a democracy, and the government would do well to remember that before Saturday,” the ADC said.

The statement comes as political tension continues to rise in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with opposition parties raising concerns over alleged intimidation and possible interference in the electoral process.

The ADC did not provide details of the alleged plan to arrest Aregbesola or identify the security agency it believes may be behind it.

There has also been no independent confirmation from security authorities that any arrest warrant or plan to arrest the former Osun governor exists.

Aregbesola’s role as ADC National Secretary makes him one of the party’s key figures in the final stage of its campaign and election preparations.

The development is therefore likely to attract further attention as political parties and security agencies prepare for Saturday’s closely watched election.