SThe Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Nigeria Police Force of disrupting its campaign rally in Sagamu ahead of Saturday’s Remo Federal Constituency by-election, allegedly to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement on Thursday, ADC State Chairman, Femi Soluade, said the rally, led by the party’s National Secretary and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, had received prior approval from the police. He alleged, however, that the event was violently interrupted, with canopies dismantled, chairs broken, musical equipment confiscated, and an armoured personnel carrier deployed to intimidate the party’s candidate, leaders, and supporters.
Soluade further claimed that the Divisional Police Officer in Sagamu, accompanied by the Area Commander, later intercepted Aregbesola, the party’s South-West Chairman, Rasaq Eyiowuawi, and other senior leaders at Isale Oko, ordering them to return to Abeokuta. According to him, the police cited the presence of Governor Dapo Abiodun and APC members in the area as the reason for the restriction.
“The excuse was flimsy,” Soluade said. “It is as though public space belongs to the ruling party. This conduct is shameful and undemocratic.”
The ADC vowed not to be deterred by what it described as harassment and political intimidation.
“No amount of broken chairs, seized instruments, or armoured tanks will silence the voice of the people,” Soluade stated. “The loyalty of the police should be to the Constitution, not to politicians. The ADC has come to stay.”
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