ADC Alleges Plan to Arrest Aregbesola Ahead of Osun Election

File photo: Former Minister of Interior of Nigeria. Rauf Aregbesola Kindly share this story: The African Democratic Congress 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 said it had received what it described as “credible reports” of plans to arrest the former Osun State governor in the days leading to the poll. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on X on Wednesday, the ADC said it was concerned that the alleged arrest could be aimed at disrupting the party’s election activities. “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. Aregbesola, who served as governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018 and later as Minister of the Interior, is currently the National Secretary of the ADC. The party said there were established procedures that should be followed if any security agency had lawful reasons to question its national secretary. “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,” it said. The ADC argued that arresting Aregbesola on the eve of an election in which the party is participating would raise questions about the motive behind such an action. Osun poll: NBA warns against violence, urges police neutrality Osun poll: Accord seeks EU intervention over alleged attacks, tension Adeleke declares Friday work-free day for Osun workers “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 party consequently put the Federal Government and security agencies on notice, urging them to avoid actions that could undermine the credibility of the election. “The eyes of Nigerians are on Osun,” Abdullahi said. “Whatever happens before, during and after Saturday’s election will be judged not by the explanations offered afterwards, but by the actions taken now.” The ADC also warned the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government against taking any action that could trigger political tension in the state. “The APC Federal Government must be wary of doing anything that could plunge Osun State into needless crisis,” the party said. The party further called on the government to respect democratic principles and ensure that political parties are allowed to participate freely in the election. “Nigeria is still a democracy, and the government would do well to remember that before Saturday,” Abdullahi said. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues. Kindly share this story: All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [emailprotected] NEWS UPDATE: Nigerians can now earn as much as $15,000- $25,000 with premium domains. You decide if you want payment in Naira or US Dollars. Be sure to ask for evidence and proof of people benefitting daily from this. CLICK HERE TO START. Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, b