The International Human Rights Protection Service Forum (IHRPSF) has petitioned the British High Commission in Abuja and 17 others over what it described as the persistent harassment and political persecution of the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
In the petition signed by its President, Barrister Maurice OruEbam, the group accused some supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close associates of President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating a series of threats, defamation campaigns and coordinated attacks against Aregbesola.
Documents made available to OSUN DEFENDER over the weekend revealed that the petition was also addressed to other national and international bodies, media organisations.
The bodies include the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC), TVC News, United States Embassy, Public Complaints Commission, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Federal Ministry of Justice and 10 others.
According to the petition, these acts amount to gross violations of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, and international human rights conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“Our attention has been drawn to the continuous harassment, intimidation, and political persecution of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by certain elements within the ruling APC, allegedly acting on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his loyalists,” the petition read in part.
“These acts include verbal abuse, political blackmail, cyberbullying, threats of physical harm, and attempts to criminalize his legitimate political activities,” it added.
The IHRPSF noted that Aregbesola, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, has the right to freedom of expression and association without intimidation or reprisal.
The group called on the international community to place Nigeria under watch for growing political intolerance and suppression of dissent.
It also urged the National Human Rights Commission to open an immediate investigation into the alleged threats and harassment of the ADC National Secretary, while demanding that the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) provide him with adequate protection.
“The harassment of Aregbesola represents a dangerous precedent for political intolerance, injustice, and the erosion of civil liberties in Nigeria. Democracy cannot survive when dissenting voices are silenced and political participation becomes a crime,” the petition stated.
OSUN DEFENDER had earlier reported, on August 17, a coordinated attempt to eliminate Aregbesola.
A group known as The Omoluabi Progressives had raised similar alarm, warning of a sinister campaign to silence the former Osun State governor.
In a statement signed by its Organising Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, the group cited inflammatory comments and state-backed actions as indicators of an escalating threat to Aregbesola’s safety.
It also referenced a social media post by journalist Mayor Akinpelu on August 2, 2025, which was amplified by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, suggesting dire consequences for Aregbesola.
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
