The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
The opposition party said it had received what it described as credible information indicating that security agencies may arrest the former Osun State governor in the days leading up to the election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it was worried that the alleged move could be intended to weaken the party’s ability to organise and coordinate its activities during the election.
Abdullahi said the party could not ignore the reports, citing what he described as a growing pattern of intimidation, harassment and alleged misuse of government institutions against opposition groups.
According to the ADC, Aregbesola’s status as a former governor, former Minister of the Interior and current national officer of an opposition party makes it important for any security agency seeking to question him to follow due process.
The party said any lawful invitation should be handled through established procedures rather than through an arrest, particularly so close to an election.
The ADC argued that detaining Aregbesola immediately before the poll could raise serious questions about the motivation behind the action, especially given his role in directing and coordinating the party’s election efforts.
The party therefore called on the Federal Government and security agencies to exercise restraint and avoid any action that could undermine confidence in the Osun election.
“The eyes of Nigerians are on Osun,” Abdullahi said, stressing that the credibility of the election would be judged by the actions of the authorities before, during and after the poll.
The ADC also warned the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government against taking steps that could heighten political tensions in the state.
It urged the government to uphold democratic principles and ensure that all political parties are allowed to participate freely and without intimidation.
The party maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system must be protected and called on the authorities to ensure a peaceful and credible election in Osun State.