In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the state chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, the party claimed that despite formally notifying the police of its campaign itinerary through an acknowledged letter, officers forcefully dismantled the event setup.
The statement reads : “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Ogun State condemns in the strongest possible terms the shameful and undemocratic actions of the Nigerian Police Force in stopping our duly scheduled campaign for the forthcoming bye-elections in Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.
“We had formally notified the police of our campaign plans through an official letter — which they received and acknowledged. Yet, in a shocking display of bias and political intimidation, our campaign train was violently disrupted. Our canopies were removed, chairs broken, musical instruments seized, and an armoured tank was stationed to intimidate our candidate, our leaders, and our supporters.
“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!
“Let it be clear: ADC will not be intimidated. We are the 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.
“To the ruling party, we say: democracy is bigger than you. To the police, we remind you: your loyalty should be to the Constitution, not to politicians. And to our supporters, we say stand firm. ADC has come to stay”.
