Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has been appointed as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant political shift after years with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His acceptance was announced amid calls for a radical rethinking of Nigeria’s political culture.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Aregbesola criticized the current structure of mainstream political parties, describing them as “empty shells” that prioritize power and personality over policy and principle.
“Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth,” he said. “They have become platforms for opportunism rather than tools for national development.”
He praised the ADC for standing out among Nigeria’s political parties, acknowledging its foundational values of justice, inclusivity, and national progress.
“The ADC is not perfect, but it stands for something,” Aregbesola noted. “It has character. It has soul. It is a true platform for expressing the aspirations of the people.”
Outlining his vision as interim national secretary, Aregbesola pledged to steer the ADC toward becoming a value-driven, people-centered political institution.
“A political party should not just be a vehicle to power for a few, but a living institution rooted in democratic values, social justice, and the rule of law,” he said. He also urged party members to hold him accountable, saying, “Challenge me when I stray. Stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party.”
Aregbesola’s return to political leadership through a new platform comes after a public falling out with President Bola Tinubu in 2023. Once a close ally, Aregbesola served as Commissioner for Works under Tinubu’s administration in Lagos and later as Minister of Interior under President Muhammadu Buhari.
His move to the ADC signals a potential effort to build a new political front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appointment has sparked renewed interest in the ADC’s role in national politics, with analysts watching closely to see whether Aregbesola’s influence can strengthen the party’s grassroots appeal and ideological coherence.
