- Party shifts campaign to August 3, says supporters’ safety takes precedence over political activities
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has again postponed its planned mega rally in Iwo Federal Constituency, citing concerns over the safety of its supporters and the need to prevent a possible clash with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun, said its mega rally earlier scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, had been moved to Monday, August 3.
The latest postponement is the second time the ADC has shifted the campaign programme following a clash of dates with the APC in Iwo.
According to the party, it had initially scheduled its mega rally for Tuesday, July 28, and had duly informed the Nigeria Police, which subsequently granted approval for the event.
However, the ADC said the APC later announced its own campaign rally for the same day in Iwo.
The ADC said it decided to voluntarily shift its programme from July 28 to July 30 in the interest of peace, public order and the safety of residents and political supporters in the area.
The party, however, alleged that the APC subsequently announced July 30, the new date selected by the ADC, as another date for its own rally in Iwo.
The development, according to the ADC, raised concerns about the possibility of political supporters from both parties converging on the same location and potentially triggering avoidable confrontation.
While acknowledging that every political party has a constitutional right to campaign and mobilise voters, the ADC described the repeated overlap of rally dates as a deliberate attempt to provoke a confrontation.
The party said such an approach was inconsistent with its political philosophy and commitment to peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The statement read in part: “While every political party has a constitutional right to campaign, we consider this deliberate act of APC as attempt to lure us into an open confrontation which is alien to our own system.”
The ADC said it would not allow political rivalry to expose its members, supporters, residents and security personnel to unnecessary danger.
It explained that the decision to postpone the rally was taken as a demonstration of responsible leadership and with the overriding objective of preserving peace, security and stability in Iwo and its surrounding communities.
The party said the campaign would now hold on Monday, August 3, stressing that the postponement should not be interpreted as a retreat from its political activities or campaign objectives.
Rather, it said, the decision reflected its determination to pursue its electoral campaign without compromising the safety of citizens.
“The ADC believes that the safety of our supporters and the peace of our communities must always take precedence over political activities,” the statement said.
The party also expressed regret to its members, supporters and residents of Iwo Federal Constituency over any inconvenience caused by the repeated postponement.
It appealed to its supporters to remain calm, disciplined and committed to the party’s campaign, assuring them that the decision was taken in their best interest.
The ADC further thanked its members and supporters, as well as residents of Iwo, for their patience, understanding and continued confidence in the party.
The party declared that it would not sacrifice the lives and safety of its supporters for political showmanship.
“ADC will never sacrifice the lives of its supporters for political showmanship,” the statement added.
The party also reiterated its commitment to what it described as peaceful politics, unity and responsible leadership in Osun State.
“Together, we remain committed to building a better Osun through peace, unity and responsible leadership,” the party stated.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of heightened political activities across Osun State as political parties intensify campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Iwo, one of the major population centres in Osun State, has remained an important political constituency, making campaign activities in the area a significant feature of the ongoing electioneering.
The ADC’s decision to shift its rally to August 3 means that the party will now hold its mega rally less than two weeks before the governorship poll, as political parties seek to consolidate support across the state.
The party’s statement was dated Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and signed by Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun, Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Osun State chapter.
