Abuja, Former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has formally accepted his appointment as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the newly adopted platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group. In a fiery and ideology-driven acceptance speech, Aregbesola pledged to reposition the party as a people-centered, values-based institution rooted in democratic principles and accountable governance.
Speaking to party leaders, members, and citizens across Nigeria, Aregbesola declared that political parties must move beyond being mere electoral platforms for personal ambition and power grabs. He emphasized that a true political party should serve as an engine for mobilizing the people, shaping national development, and advancing social justice.
“A political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition. It must be a living institution—built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve,” Aregbesola asserted.
Drawing inspiration from the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, he lauded the party’s historical ideological depth and institutional supremacy, while lamenting that most Nigerian parties lack similar conviction or coherence. He accused many of being hollow structures driven by personalities rather than principles, and called for a shift in political culture.
In his new role, the former Minister of Interior outlined a transformative agenda for the ADC that includes strengthening internal democracy, empowering marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and establishing autonomous structures for key sectors like education, agriculture, security, and labor.
“We must become an institution where internal democracy is not just preached but practiced, where intra-party competition is transparent and fair, and where all structures function efficiently,” he said.
He further promised to model the party’s reorganization on global best practices, adapting lessons from countries like Sweden, Chile, Kenya, and South Africa to Nigeria’s political context.
Aregbesola also issued a rallying call to party members and the public, urging collective action and accountability in the arduous task of rebuilding the party into a genuine force for national transformation.
“This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done. Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me,” he urged.
The appointment of Aregbesola marks a critical shift for the ADC, which is now at the center of Nigeria’s growing opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. With a renewed ideological posture and experienced leadership, the party aims to carve a new identity within Nigeria’s fragmented political terrain.
The former governor’s impassioned speech has already begun generating reactions across political circles, with observers noting it as a bold attempt to revive ideology-based politics in a country long dominated by transactional alliances.
As the ADC braces for national repositioning, all eyes will be on Aregbesola’s next steps—whether his rhetoric will be matched with institutional reforms capable of reshaping the Nigerian opposition space.
