Aregbesola Accepts ADC Interim Role, Cites Nigeria’s Ideological Deficit
Former Osun State
governor and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has announced his acceptance of the role of Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), attributing his decision to the ideological vacuum in Nigeria’s political system.
Aregbesola made the announcement during a political gathering in Abuja on Tuesday, where he criticised the country’s dominant political parties for lacking clear philosophical and ideological direction.
According to him, Nigeria’s political space has been overrun by parties that prioritise power over principles.
“The political atmosphere in Nigeria today is overrun by parties that operate without philosophical or ideological clarity. It has become necessary to redirect our politics towards purpose, values, and national development. That’s why I agreed to serve as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress,” he stated.
He said his move to the ADC is aimed at promoting value-based and principle-driven politics, adding that the country needs a new political structure built on competence, justice, and national cohesion rather than political opportunism.
Aregbesola’s latest political step follows months of speculation regarding his next move after his expulsion from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in January 2025. The Osun State chapter of the APC had accused him of anti-party activities, including the formation of a faction within the party, known as the Omoluabi Progressives.
Since his exit from the APC, Aregbesola has been actively involved in political consultations. In May, he was seen in closed-door meetings with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, fueling rumours of a possible realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC, regarded as one of the leading third-force political platforms in Nigeria, is expected to benefit from Aregbesola’s experience and network. The party’s National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Nwosu, described Aregbesola’s entry as a strategic move to reposition the party ahead of future elections.
Political analysts say Aregbesola’s move may serve as a catalyst for ideological renewal and opposition realignment, particularly among politicians and voters dissatisfied with the current political status quo.
