Abuja, Former Osun State Governor and frontline political leader, Rauf Aregbesola, has officially 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.
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In his acceptance speech delivered on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Aregbesola expressed deep gratitude to the party’s leadership for the trust reposed in him, describing his appointment as “a profound responsibility” at a critical moment in Nigeria’s political evolution.
“I accept this appointment with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race, and party,” he declared.
Aregbesola used the opportunity to issue a stirring call for a return to ideological clarity, internal democracy, and people-driven politics. He warned against the prevailing culture of opportunism in the Nigerian political system, noting that many political parties have become “empty shells” driven more by personal ambition than policy or principle.
“A political party 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,” he stated.
Citing the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa as a model of ideological resilience and institutional discipline, Aregbesola emphasized the need for the ADC to emulate global best practices. He said the party would draw lessons from systems as diverse as South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya.
He outlined a bold vision for the ADC, calling for:
Genuine internal democracy and transparent intra-party competition;
Functional structures from ward to national levels;
Meaningful inclusion of youth, women, and marginalized groups;
Recognition of key interest blocs, including educators, security operatives, farmers, professionals, and persons with special needs.
Aregbesola pledged to rebuild the ADC into a credible alternative to Nigeria’s ruling parties, grounded in the principles of rule of law, social justice, and public service.
“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 said.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Aregbesola called for collective action, accountability, and sacrifice from all stakeholders.
“This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done,” he affirmed.
He ended his speech with a call to unity and commitment, urging members to hold him accountable and to join hands in restoring the soul of the party and elevating politics to a tool of service for the people.
“Long live our party. Long live our democracy. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Aregbesola concluded.
