Abuja, Nigeria – July 1, 2025
Former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has formally accepted his appointment as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the political platform recently adopted by the National Opposition Coalition Group.
In a passionate address on Tuesday, Aregbesola described his appointment as a call to duty and a chance to reposition the ADC as a value-driven, people-oriented political party, distinct from what he termed the "opportunistic and personality-driven" nature of most parties in Nigeria today.
“With deep humility, I accept this appointment with a profound sense of duty and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party,” he stated.
Aregbesola emphasized that political parties should be institutions of public mobilization and empowerment, not just election-winning machines. He drew inspiration from the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, which he described as a long-standing example of a party rooted in ideology and people-centered struggle.
“The ANC may not be perfect, but it stands for something. It has character. It has soul,” he said, lamenting that many political parties in Nigeria lack such ideological depth, describing them as “empty shells—merging and splitting not over policy or principle, but over power and personality.”
The former minister outlined his vision to rebuild the ADC as a truly democratic institution guided by transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability. He pledged to ensure internal democracy, fair competition, and functional party structures from the ward to the national level.
Aregbesola also promised to give real political voice to youth, women, professionals, people with special needs, and marginalized groups, encouraging their independent participation in party affairs.
“We must become the party that speaks for the people not only during elections but every single day,” he said. “We must talk about public education and actually build schools, believe in jobs and work to create them, and stand for security with real policies that protect our communities.”
He further committed to aligning the party’s operations with international best practices in administration, ethics, and democratic values, drawing lessons from countries such as South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya.
“This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done,” he concluded, urging party members to support him through action and accountability.
The ADC’s adoption as the opposition coalition platform signals a new chapter for opposition politics in Nigeria, with Aregbesola now positioned to lead its strategic reformation.
