The Osun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has postponed its planned mega rally in Iwo Federal Constituency for the second time, citing security concerns and alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) deliberately fixed its campaign for the same date and venue.
The rally, originally scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, has now been rescheduled for Monday, August 3, according to a statement issued by the party's Publicity Secretary, Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun.
The ADC said the latest postponement became necessary to safeguard its supporters and prevent any possible clash between members of the two political parties.
According to the party, it had initially fixed the rally for Tuesday, July 28, and notified the Nigeria Police, which subsequently approved the event. However, it claimed that the APC later announced a campaign rally in Iwo for the same day.
The party said it voluntarily shifted its programme to July 30 in the interest of peace, public safety and public order. It, however, alleged that the APC again scheduled its own rally for the new date selected by the ADC.
The ADC expressed concern that the repeated overlap of campaign dates could lead to the convergence of supporters of both parties at the same location, thereby increasing the risk of avoidable confrontation.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of all political parties to campaign and mobilise voters, the ADC alleged that the repeated scheduling of rallies on the same dates amounted to a deliberate attempt to provoke conflict.
The party maintained that such actions run contrary to its commitment to peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.
"While every political party has a constitutional right to campaign, we consider this deliberate act of APC as an attempt to lure us into an open confrontation, which is alien to our own system," the statement read.
The ADC stressed that it would not allow political competition to endanger the lives of its members, supporters, residents or security personnel deployed to maintain law and order.
It explained that the decision to postpone the rally reflected responsible leadership and its commitment to preserving peace, security and stability in Iwo and neighbouring communities.
The party clarified that the rescheduling of the rally should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from its campaign activities but as a demonstration of its determination to pursue its electoral objectives without compromising public safety.
"The ADC believes that the safety of our supporters and the peace of our communities must always take precedence over political activities," the statement added.
The party apologised to its members, supporters and residents of Iwo Federal Constituency for any inconvenience caused by the repeated postponement and appealed for understanding and continued support.
It urged party faithful to remain calm, disciplined and committed to its campaign, assuring them that the decision was taken in their best interest.
The ADC also expressed appreciation to its supporters and the people of Iwo for their patience and confidence in the party, reiterating that it would never sacrifice the lives of its supporters for political showmanship.
"ADC will never sacrifice the lives of its supporters for political showmanship," the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful politics, the party pledged to continue pursuing its campaign with a focus on unity, responsible leadership and the development of Osun State.
The postponement comes amid heightened political activities across the state as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Iwo, one of Osun State's major political strongholds, has remained a key battleground in the ongoing electioneering campaign, making political activities in the area particularly significant.
With the latest adjustment, the ADC's mega rally will now hold on August 3, less than two weeks before voters head to the polls.
The statement announcing the postponement was dated July 28, 2026, and signed by the ADC Osun State Publicity Secretary, Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun.
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