Aregbesola blocked from Ogun by-election campaign, ADC alleges

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday alleged that some operatives of the Nigerian Police, on Thursday, blocked its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, from campaigning for the party’s candidate ahead of Saturday’s bye-election in Ogun State. Aregbesola was said to be in the state alongside some party leaders for the ADC’s final campaign rally of […]

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday alleged that some operatives of the Nigerian Police, on Thursday, blocked its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, from campaigning for the party’s candidate ahead of Saturday’s bye-election in Ogun State.

Aregbesola was said to be in the state alongside some party leaders for the ADC’s final campaign rally of the bye-election in Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.

The State Chairman of ADC, Femi Soluade, in a statement in Abeokuta, said the party had formally notified the police of its campaign plans through an official letter — which they received and acknowledged.

He, however, said it was shocking that the Police displayed “bias and political intimidation” by  violently disrupting its campaign.

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He said, “As if that was not enough, on our way out, specifically at Isale Oko in Sagamu the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) accosted us again.

“In a matter of minutes, the Area Commander joined him, and together they blocked our National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; our South-West Chairman, Hon. Rasaq Eyiowuawi,my self as the State Chairman, Otunba D Elders Council, Chief Pa Alani Opaleye, Hon Akinlabi Party Leader; Chf Mrs Seyi Aderiokun and other Snr Citizens and all our campaign vehicles.

“They demanded that we detour back to Abeokuta, giving the flimsy excuse that Governor Dapo Abiodun and his APC members were “occupying every nook and cranny” of the area as if the public space belongs to the ruling party!”

He said ADC will not be intimidated, insisting the party remains a credible alternative and the voice of the people.

“Ogun State and indeed Nigerians have embraced us because they are tired of oppression, tired of intimidation, and tired of a government that uses security agencies as attack dogs against the opposition.

“We will continue to campaign. We will continue to speak the truth to power. We will continue to offer Nigerians real hope. No amount of harassment, broken chairs, seized instruments, or armoured tanks will silence the voice of the people,” he said.

When contacted, the Police Spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said she was not aware of the incident.

“I don’t know anything about it. I was in the office throughout today and there was no complaint. If they have any complaint they would have called the Commissioner of Police,” she said.