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

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

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC 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 election.

The party expressed concern over the alleged development, particularly because Aregbesola is currently serving as the ADC’s National Secretary and is involved in coordinating the party’s activities ahead of the August 15 poll.

According to the ADC, any invitation of its national secretary by a security agency should follow established legal procedures.

The party also alleged that the reported plan could be part of a broader pattern of what it described as intimidation, harassment and misuse of state institutions against opposition parties.

ADC Warns Against Aregbesola’s Arrest
The opposition party warned the Federal Government and security agencies against taking any action that could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or weaken the opposition ahead of the election.

The ADC said an arrest shortly before an election in which the party is participating could raise questions about the motive behind such an action.
“If any security agency has a lawful reason to invite him, there are established procedures for doing so,” the party said in its statement, according to reports.

The party further called on authorities to exercise restraint and ensure that the election is conducted peacefully, transparently and in accordance with democratic principles.

It also warned that actions capable of increasing political tension in Osun State could have consequences for the credibility of the electoral process.

Aregbesola’s Role in Osun Election
Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State who later served as Minister of the Interior, is currently the National Secretary of the ADC.

His involvement in the party’s preparations for the Osun election has made him one of the prominent political figures associated with the opposition ahead of Saturday’s poll.

The ADC said Nigerians and other stakeholders would be watching developments closely before, during and after the election.

The party urged security agencies to maintain professionalism and avoid actions that could create unnecessary tension in the state.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, with political parties intensifying their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the poll.

As of publication, the allegation of a planned arrest remains a claim by the ADC, and LeadNaija has not found independent confirmation from the police, Department of State Services or another security agency that an arrest of Aregbesola is planned.