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ADC claims police violently disrupted National Secretary Aregbesola’s campaign rally, blocking convoy and forcing return to Abeokuta
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Party vows to resist intimidation, criticizing police bias and political harassment amid silent police response to allegations
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Nigerian Police of preventing its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, from campaigning ahead of Saturday’s bye-election in Ogun State.
According to the party, Aregbesola was in the state with other leaders for the ADC’s final rally in the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency when the incident occurred.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, ADC State Chairman, Femi Soluade, said the party had officially notified the police of its campaign plans through a letter, which was received and acknowledged. However, he alleged that officers displayed “bias and political intimidation” by violently disrupting the rally.
Soluade claimed that while leaving the event, the party’s convoy was stopped at Isale Oko in Sagamu by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who the Area Commander later joined.
“They blocked our National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; our South-West Chairman, Hon. Rasaq Eyiowuawi; myself as State Chairman; Chief Pa Alani Opaleye; Hon. Akinlabi; Chief Mrs. Seyi Aderiokun; and other senior citizens, along with all our campaign vehicles,” he said.
“They insisted we turn back to Abeokuta, claiming Governor Dapo Abiodun and APC members were occupying every part of the area — as if public space belongs to the ruling party.”
The ADC leader vowed that the party would not be intimidated, saying Nigerians are tired of oppression and political harassment.
“We will continue to campaign, speak truth to power, and offer real hope. No amount of harassment, broken chairs, seized instruments, or armoured tanks will silence the voice of the people,” Soluade declared.
When contacted, Ogun State Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said she was unaware of the incident. “I don’t know anything about it. I was in the office all day, and there was no complaint. If they have any, they should have contacted the Commissioner of Police,” she stated.