ADC Supporters Throng Lagos Airport to Give Aregbesola Rousing Welcome
Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday stormed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to welcome the former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, who recently assumed the position of interim National Secretary of the party.
Hundreds of jubilant party loyalists, adorned in ADC colours and carrying placards with messages of solidarity, gathered at the airport in anticipation of Aregbesola’s arrival.
They sang, danced, and chanted slogans, creating a festive atmosphere that temporarily disrupted normal airport activity.
The reception followed Aregbesola’s unveiling earlier in the week as a key figure in the opposition coalition under the ADC platform.
His supporters described his return as a turning point for the party and a major boost to its mobilisation drive ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to reporters at the airport, Aregbesola expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and stated that his involvement with the ADC signified a new phase in Nigeria’s political evolution.
He said the party was committed to offering a credible ideological alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He criticised the current political establishment, accusing both APC and PDP of failing to address the nation’s pressing challenges. Aregbesola said the ADC intends to build a truly national movement grounded in justice, equity, and development, and inspired by models like South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC).
He stressed the importance of a broad-based coalition that can unite Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional lines, adding that real transformation cannot be achieved by any single party or individual.
The former governor’s defection to the ADC has been met with strong reactions across the political landscape, as he had long been seen as a key figure within the APC.
His participation in the emerging opposition alliance, which includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, is widely seen as a move to galvanise support for a stronger challenge to the ruling party in 2027.
No official reaction has been issued by the APC regarding Aregbesola’s defection. The ADC, meanwhile, is expected to announce further coalition activities in the coming weeks as it continues to restructure its leadership and build momentum nationwide.
