The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over what it described as an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
The party made the allegation in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, saying it had received what it called credible information about a possible arrest in the days leading up to the poll.
The ADC said the reported development was troubling, particularly against the backdrop of what it described as increasing intimidation, harassment and alleged misuse of government institutions against opposition parties.
Abdullahi said the party could not ignore the reports given the political circumstances surrounding the election.
The ADC acknowledged that security agencies have the authority to invite Aregbesola if there is a legitimate reason to question him, but insisted that any such action must comply with established legal procedures.
Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State who served from 2010 to 2018 and later became Minister of the Interior, currently serves as the National Secretary of the ADC.
The party argued that arresting him shortly before the election could disrupt its operations because of his responsibilities in coordinating its activities.
According to the ADC, such timing would raise serious questions about the motive behind the action, particularly if it prevents Aregbesola from participating in the party’s preparations for the election.
The opposition party therefore called on the Federal Government and security agencies to avoid any action that could undermine confidence in the electoral process or heighten political tension in Osun.
Abdullahi said the attention of Nigerians was firmly focused on the state ahead of Saturday’s election, adding that the conduct of authorities before, during and after the poll would be judged by their actions rather than explanations offered afterwards.
The ADC also warned the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government against taking steps that could trigger what it described as an avoidable crisis in Osun State.
The party maintained that Nigeria remains a democracy and urged the government to uphold democratic principles as the state prepares for the election.
