Osun Election: ADC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plan to Arrest Aregbesola

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.

The party, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said it had received what it described as credible reports of moves to arrest the former Osun State governor in the days leading to the election. The ADC expressed concern that such an action could disrupt its campaign and election-day activities, particularly Aregbesola’s role in coordinating the party’s efforts.

Aregbesola, who governed Osun State between 2010 and 2018 and later served as Minister of the Interior, is currently the national secretary of the opposition party. The ADC said any invitation by security agencies should follow due process, given his political status and previous public offices, warning that an arrest shortly before the election could be perceived as an attempt to weaken the party’s participation.

The party consequently urged the Federal Government and security agencies to avoid actions capable of undermining the credibility of the election and heightening political tension in the state. Abdullahi said Nigerians would judge the conduct of authorities before, during and after the election by their actions, urging the government to uphold democratic principles and ensure a peaceful and credible poll.