Ogun ADC Accuses Police of Disrupting Campaign Rally to Favour APC Ahead of By-Election
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious concerns over what it described as blatant political intimidation by the Nigeria Police Force during its campaign rally in Sagamu. The rally, which was part of preparations for Saturday’s hotly anticipated Remo Federal Constituency by-election, was allegedly disrupted in a manner the opposition party claims was intended to protect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the ADC State Chairman, Femi Soluade, alleged that despite securing prior clearance from the police to hold the rally, officers stormed the venue midway, dismantling canopies, breaking chairs, confiscating musical equipment, and deploying an armoured personnel carrier (APC) to disperse supporters.
According to Soluade, the rally was led by the party’s National Secretary and former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, alongside the ADC South-West Chairman, Rasaq Eyiowuawi, and other senior leaders. He stated that the event was meant to energise grassroots mobilisation for the party’s candidate but instead turned into a scene of chaos allegedly instigated by state security agents.
Leaders Intercepted on Campaign Trail
The ADC chairman further disclosed that after the rally was interrupted, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sagamu, acting under the authority of the Area Commander, intercepted the convoy of Aregbesola and other party chieftains at Isale Oko. The leaders, he claimed, were ordered to return to Abeokuta, with the police citing the presence of Governor Dapo Abiodun and APC supporters in the same locality as justification for the restriction.
Soluade dismissed the explanation as “flimsy and laughable,” insisting that public spaces do not belong to a single political party. “It is as though public space has been privatised to the ruling APC. This conduct is shameful, undemocratic, and amounts to an abuse of power,” he said.
ADC Vows to Resist Intimidation
Despite the alleged harassment, Soluade affirmed that the ADC would not be cowed into silence. He stressed that the party remains committed to offering a viable alternative to voters in Ogun State, particularly in the Remo constituency.
“No amount of broken chairs, seized instruments, or armoured tanks will silence the voice of the people,” Soluade declared. “The loyalty of the police should be to the Constitution, not to politicians. The ADC has come to stay, and we will continue to demand fairness, justice, and equity in our democratic process.”
Growing Tension Ahead of By-Election
The Remo Federal Constituency by-election, scheduled for Saturday, has drawn widespread attention as a litmus test for the ruling party’s popularity in Ogun State. Political observers note that the constituency is highly strategic, and the battle for dominance between the APC and the opposition parties could have ripple effects ahead of future electoral contests in the state.
The alleged disruption of the ADC rally comes against a backdrop of mounting fears about the impartiality of security agencies during elections in Nigeria. Opposition parties and civil society groups have long accused the police of aligning themselves with ruling parties, thereby undermining the credibility of democratic institutions.
Call for Neutrality
Political analysts warn that if such incidents persist, voter confidence in the electoral process could be further eroded. Stakeholders, including election monitoring organisations, have therefore urged the police and other security agencies to maintain neutrality and uphold their constitutional duty to protect all citizens, irrespective of party affiliation.
“The role of the police is critical to ensuring a free and fair election,” said one observer. “Any perception of bias not only delegitimises the process but also increases the risk of post-election conflict. What happened in Sagamu must be investigated thoroughly.”
As Ogun residents prepare to head to the polls this weekend, the ADC has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society groups, and the international community to closely monitor the situation. The party insists that only transparency and fairness will guarantee the credibility of the electoral outcome.
For now, tension continues to simmer in Sagamu and across the Remo Federal Constituency, as political parties intensify last-minute campaigns under the shadow of controversy.
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