In a bold political move, former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has taken up the mantle as Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling a dramatic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape and his own political journey.
Speaking at the official announcement of his new role, Aregbesola took aim at Nigeria’s mainstream political parties—including the All Progressives Congress (APC), which brought him to national prominence—calling them ideologically bankrupt and driven purely by personal ambition.
“Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth,” Aregbesola lamented. “They are empty shells, merging 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.”
Aregbesola, who once served as Commissioner for Works in Lagos under then-Governor Bola Tinubu, emphasized that his decision to join the ADC was driven by a desire to return to value-based politics.
“The ADC is not perfect, but it stands for something. It has character. It has soul. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity, and true freedom,” he said.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
In a powerful address, the former minister redefined what political parties ought to represent. “A political party is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition,” he said. “It should be a living institution built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.”
Promising to build a principled, people-focused party, Aregbesola vowed to restore the soul of politics in Nigeria. “As National Secretary, I will work to build a party with a clear ideological compass—one committed to the rule of law, social justice, transparency, and national development,” he declared.
He also issued a public invitation to supporters and critics alike: “Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. Stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party and return politics to its rightful place—as service to the people.”
A Fallout and a Fresh Start
Aregbesola’s appointment comes amid lingering tensions with President Bola Tinubu, under whom he first rose to national political prominence. After serving as a two-term governor of Osun and later as Minister of Interior under President Muhammadu Buhari, Aregbesola reportedly fell out with Tinubu in 2023 during the buildup to the general elections.
His new role as ADC's interim national secretary marks both a departure from his long-standing ties with the APC and a fresh chapter in a career increasingly defined by ideological realignment.
Whether his defection sparks a broader movement toward value-driven politics remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Aregbesola is positioning himself as a reformist voice in a system he now calls “soulless.”
