Abdullahi said, given the pattern of intimidation, harassment and misuse of state institutions that has increasingly characterised the conduct of the current administration towards the opposition, the party cannot afford to dismiss the reports.

He added that if any security agency has a lawful reason to invite the ADC chieftain, there are established procedures for doing so.

DAILY POST reports that Aregbesola is a former Governor of Osun State and former Minister of Interior.

“We have received credible reports of plans to arrest our National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in the days leading to Saturday’s Osun State election.

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.

“We therefore put the Federal Government and the security agencies on notice. 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.

“The APC Federal Government must be wary of doing anything that could plunge Osun State into needless crisis. Nigeria is still a democracy, and the government would do well to remember that before Saturday,” the statement said.

The Court mandated the Commission to immediately acknowledge, accept, upload, process, and publish the name and details of Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala as the candidate for the Social Democratic Party.

As a result, the ballot papers for the election, set to take place on Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reprinted to include this addition, increasing the total number of political parties participating in the election to fifteen, 15. The result sheets for the election are also being reprinted to incorporate the SDP candidate.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission informed the public that the newly printed ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and will be distributed to Local Government Area offices throughout the state on the same day, following the standard distribution protocol prior to the election.

INEC has assured political parties, candidates, and the general public of its dedication to facilitating a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.

He stressed that the APC remained committed to peaceful political participation, calling on all stakeholders to avoid actions capable of undermining peace before, during and after the election.

According to him, “all stakeholders and members of the public must promote peace, tolerance and responsible political engagement as the state approaches the governorship poll.”

The APC chieftain appealed to the participants to return to their communities and support Bola Oyebamiji and the APC in the August 15 election.

He said an AMBO-led administration would prioritise inclusive governance, economic empowerment, skills development and improved opportunities for workers in the informal sector.

The programme attracted informal workers from various sectors, including barbers, hairdressers, fumigators, welders, textile workers, tailors, electrical workers, traders, commercial motorcyclists and members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association.

Members of non-indigenous communities, including Igede, Idoma and Tiv residents from Benue State living in Obokun Local Government Area, also attended the programme.