The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, warning that any such move could heighten political tension in the state.

The party said it received what it described as “credible reports” of plans to arrest Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, just days before voters go to the polls.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the alleged arrest plan must be viewed against the backdrop of what the party described as increasing intimidation and harassment of opposition figures.

“Given the pattern of intimidation, harassment and misuse of state institutions that has increasingly characterised the conduct of this government towards the opposition, we cannot afford to dismiss these reports,” Abdullahi said.

The allegation comes at a politically sensitive period, with the major parties intensifying their final mobilisation ahead of the August 15 election.

The ADC spokesperson said the party was not opposed to any lawful investigation involving its national secretary, but insisted that due process must be followed if any security agency had legitimate grounds to invite or question Aregbesola.

According to Abdullahi, any invitation should be issued through established legal procedures rather than through an arrest carried out immediately before the election.

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“An arrest on the eve of an election in which his party is participating would invite only one reasonable conclusion: that the purpose is to prevent him from leading and coordinating the party’s election activities,” he said.

The party consequently put the Federal Government and security agencies on notice, urging them to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions in the state.

“The eyes of Nigerians are on Osun. Whatever happens before, during and after Saturday’s election will be judged not by the explanations offered afterwards, but by the actions taken now,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC also warned the Federal Government against actions that could undermine confidence in the electoral process or trigger unrest.

Abdullahi urged the government to be “wary of doing anything that could plunge Osun state into a needless crisis,” stressing that Nigeria remained a democracy.

“Nigeria is still a democracy, and the government would do well to remember that before Saturday,” he added.

The allegation has not been independently substantiated, and there was no immediate confirmation from the Federal Government or security agencies that any arrest warrant or directive had been issued against Aregbesola.

The development, however, adds to growing political tension in Osun ahead of the governorship election. Political parties and their supporters have in recent days traded accusations of intimidation, harassment and the misuse of state institutions.

With the campaign period ending and the election only days away, the ADC’s warning places renewed focus on the conduct of security agencies and other state institutions before, during and after the poll.

The election is expected to be closely contested, with parties seeking to mobilise their supporters across the state’s 30 local government areas.

The coming days will therefore be critical in determining whether the competing political camps can maintain restraint and allow voters to exercise their franchise without intimidation or disruption.