Aregbesola becomes National Secretary of ADC interim, reveals agenda
Rauf Aregbesola
Aregbesola becomes National Secretary of ADC interim, reveals agenda
Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola has pledged that he will transform the African Democratic Congress, ADC into a party that has a clear ideological compass absolutely committed to the people, rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and national development as the party’s national secretary.
Aregbesola said this while confirming his appointment as the interim national secretary of the party in a post shared on verified Facebook page on Tuesday night.
Aregbesola was commissioner in Lagos State when President Bola Tinubu was governor.
He was also governor of Osun State for eight years and regarded as one of the political lieutenants of Tinubu.
As one of Tinubu’s boys, Aregbesola was one of those who championed the formation of of the All Progressives Congress APC, that ended 16- year domination of Nigeria’s political space by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in 2016.
Aregbesola also served as Minister of Interior under the President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023.
However, he has been at odds with Tinubu over Osun State politics in recent years.
His appointment as the interim National Secretary General of ADC followed his alignment with coalition of politicians plotting to kick Tinubu out of office in 2027.
The national opposition coalition, according to reports, will on Wednesday formally adopted the ADC as the political party they will use to in the battle against Tinubu’s APC in the 2027 election.
This was confirmed by former Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who is one of the leaders of the coalition in a post on his social media platforms on Tuesday night.
Former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has also been made the spokesperson of the party.
Aregbesola also confirmed his appointment as ADC Interim National Secretary in his Facebook post on Tuesday night.
He also explained why he accepted to serve as the Interim National Secretary of the party.
Aregbesola said: “The ADC is not perfect but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.
“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties.
“Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells emerging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.”
“Those who believe in the supremacy of the party in a democracy and all products of democratic contests. Those who recognise that parties must stand for and with the people in the promotion of their interests and aspirations.
“That parties therefore are not merely machines for winning elections but institutions for mobilising, organising, energising, educating, empowering and encouraging the people towards their emancipation and development.
“Let me begin by saying this: 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. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.
“As the National Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass as a party that is absolutely committed to the people, rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and national development.
“A party that listens and works for the people, not only during elections, but every single day.
“We must become an institution where: Internal democracy is not just preached but practised. Intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just. All party structures from the ward to the national level and function effectively and efficiently. Young people, women, and the marginalised have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.”
He also promised to ensure that APC emerged as an all inclusive platform with every sector of the country is acknowledged and included in its structure.
He stated, “All special and critical interests(security, educators, farmers, workers, women, youth, professionals, people with special needs, etc., must be recognised and allowed to have autonomous structures within the party.
“We will model international best practices in party organisation, administration, and ethics. We will study what works—from South Africa to Sweden, from Chile to Kenya, and adapt what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.
“We must be the party that talks about public education and actually builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them. That stands for Nigeria not just during elections, but in everyday governance.
He, however, confessed that the agenda he has set for himself is not an easy task. But Aregbesola said it is doable.
“This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.”
