The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The party claimed it received “credible reports” indicating that security agencies may move against the former Osun governor days before the poll, describing the alleged development as a potential attempt to disrupt its electoral activities.
Afrilensnews reports that the allegation was contained in a statement issued Wednesday night by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who warned the Federal Government and security agencies against any action capable of escalating political tension in the state.
“Given the pattern of intimidation, harassment and misuse of state institutions that has increasingly characterised the conduct of this government towards the opposition, we cannot afford to dismiss these reports,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC spokesperson maintained that if any security agency has lawful grounds to question Aregbesola, the former governor should be approached through established legal procedures rather than arrested 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. We therefore put the Federal Government and the security agencies on notice,” he said.
Abdullahi added: “The eyes of Nigerians are on Osun. Whatever happens before, during and after Saturday’s election will be judged not by the explanations offered afterwards, but by the actions taken now.”
He urged the Federal Government to exercise caution, warning that any perceived attempt to intimidate opposition figures could worsen an already tense political atmosphere in Osun.
“Nigeria is still a democracy, and the government would do well to remember that before Saturday,” Abdullahi said.
Political tension has continued to rise in Osun ahead of the governorship election, with rival parties and their supporters trading accusations of intimidation,
harassment and political interference.
If the allegation of a planned arrest is acted upon without clear legal justification, it could trigger fresh controversy, heighten opposition concerns over the credibility of the election and potentially deepen political tension across the state.
The ADC did not provide specific details of the alleged plan or identify the security agency it believes may carry out the arrest.
