The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned what it described as a coordinated campaign of intimidation against its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
Aregbesola, who is also a former Minister of Interior, has recently been the target of political attacks, prompting the party to speak out against the alleged intimidation.
The statement was issued on Monday, through the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi.
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In the statement, Abdullahi criticized efforts to portray Aregbesola as a traitor to the Yoruba people, calling such tactics “dangerous and undemocratic.”
He noted that Aregbesola recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the ADC, where he now serves as national secretary.
“It is incredible to see the zeal with which some President Bola Ahmed Tinubu supporters are trying to mobilise the Yoruba and South West people against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,” he said.
“This is happening simply because he is exercising his democratic rights and choosing to stand with the Nigerian people,” he added.
“This is sheer perfidy and should be condemned,” he concluded.
Abdullahi referenced historical political dynamics, recalling that after the June 12 election crisis, Nigerians collectively supported a Yoruba man for president to strengthen national unity.
He compared Aregbesola’s current treatment to the past reception of Bola Tinubu, arguing that no one accused Tinubu of betraying Yoruba interests despite his opposition to President Obasanjo at the time.
The ADC highlighted the disruption of its rally in Sagamu, Ogun State, on August 14, 2025, where Aregbesola was to lead a campaign for House of Representatives bye-election candidate Solomon Osho.
Abdullahi suggested that fear of Aregbesola’s influence may be driving the intimidation efforts.
“Ogbeni Aregbesola is immensely capable of fighting his own battles. But as a party, we condemn this act of intolerance and assault on freedom. It must cease immediately,” he said.
