Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ekiti State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the arrest, detention and arraignment of its candidate for the State House of Assembly Constituency 1, Mr Ayodele Babatola, describing the action as a "gross violation of constitutional rights" and a "dangerous abuse of state power". Babatola was arrested on 26 May 2026 by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) over allegations of rape, a charge the party vehemently rejects.
According to the ADC, the candidate was neither properly invited nor given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before being detained and hurriedly arraigned on Monday. The party alleged that the police used "Form K", a remand warrant application meant to seek judicial approval for detention, as a tool for political intimidation and to silence opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti on 27 May, a chieftain of the ADC, Rt. Hon. Olugboyega Aribisogan, stated that the embattled candidate is a social activist and advocate of good governance who has consistently criticised the government's performance. He added that Babatola has never been associated with any criminality.
The ADC further alleged that the RRS has consistently used Form K to send citizens to prison and to intimidate opposition members in the state. The party called on the Inspector‑General of Police to review the circumstances of the arrest and order Babatola's release unless a lawful basis for detention exists. It also urged the Ekiti State Chief Judge, the National Human Rights Commission and the National Judicial Commission to scrutinise the remand application and investigate the use of Form K in the state.
Following the arrest, hundreds of supporters of the ADC staged a protest in Ado-Ekiti on 27 May, demanding Babatola's immediate and unconditional release. They blocked major roads and streets in the state capital, accusing the police of using the arrest to suppress opposition political activities. The ADC described the candidate as an American‑trained soldier and a well‑known advocate for good governance whose activities in the state are focused on highlighting poor infrastructure and other public issues.
While the party strongly condemned any form of sexual violence and called for thorough prosecution of genuine rape cases, it insisted that justice must not be "sacrificed on the altar of political persecution or mob sentiment". The ADC reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and due process, demanding that Babatola be released on bail pending the conclusion of any lawful investigation or trial. The party has also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take note of what it described as interference in the electoral process.
As of the time of this report, the Ekiti State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the arrest and allegations of using Form K to detain political opponents. The ADC has vowed not to remain silent while citizens are subjected to what it called "illegal persecution under the guise of criminal allegations".
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