ADC Alleges Plot to Arrest Rauf Aregbesola Ahead of Osun Election, Warns FG

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised an alarm, alleging a plot by security agencies to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, in the lead-up to the Osun State governorship election. The opposition party stated it has received credible information about plans to detain the former Osun State governor shortly before Saturday's polls.

The ADC expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of intimidation, harassment, and alleged misuse of state institutions against opposition figures. The party warned that any such arrest could heighten political tension in the state and disrupt the electoral process, potentially undermining public confidence.

“

The African Democratic Congress has received credible reports of plans to arrest our National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in the days leading to Saturday’s Osun State election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, urged the Federal Government and security agencies to exercise restraint. The ADC emphasized that if any security agency has legitimate grounds to question Aregbesola, it should adhere to established legal procedures rather than resorting to an arrest that could be perceived as politically motivated.

“

Ogbeni Aregbesola is a former governor of Osun State, a former minister of the Federal Republic and the National Secretary of the opposition political party. If any security agency has a lawful reason to invite him, there are established procedures for doing so.

Aregbesola, who previously served as Osun State governor and as the Federal Minister of the Interior, is expected to play a significant role in coordinating the ADC's election activities. The party argued that arresting him on the eve of an election in which his party is participating would inevitably lead to the conclusion that the intention is to prevent him from carrying out his responsibilities.

The allegation comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of the governorship poll. Various political parties and civil society organizations have voiced concerns regarding alleged intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric, electoral violence, and the conduct of security agencies. The election is considered particularly important due to Osun's political significance and its potential implications for the broader realignment of opposition forces before the 2027 general elections.

“

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.