BREAKING: Aregbesola Gets National Appointment

Former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has been appointed as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In his official acceptance speech issued on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Aregbesola expressed deep humility and a profound sense of duty, pledging to use the new role to revive ideological politics and re-establish party supremacy within Nigeria’s democratic structure.

“I thank the leadership for the trust reposed in me. But more than that, I thank every committed member of this party—those who still believe that politics can be a force for good,” the former Minister of Interior stated.

He emphasised that political parties must not serve as mere vehicles for personal ambition or opportunism, but as platforms built on values and committed to public service. Drawing from the legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, Aregbesola called for the creation of a party grounded in “justice, dignity, equality, and inclusivity.”

Lamenting the current political climate in Nigeria, he criticised what he described as ideological bankruptcy within many existing parties, which he said are plagued by mergers and splits driven by personalities rather than principles.

“As National Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass—absolutely committed to the people, democratic values, rule of law, and national development,” he declared.

The former governor outlined a five-point agenda aimed at restoring the soul of political party administration, including genuine internal democracy, transparent intra-party competition, effective party structures, inclusive participation of women and youth, and representation for all special interest groups such as workers, security agents, farmers, and persons with special needs.

He pledged to model the party’s internal structure on global best practices, referencing countries like South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya, but adapting their systems to suit Nigeria’s local political reality.

“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,” he said.

Aregbesola also issued a rallying call for party members and Nigerians to support him in action, not just in words. “Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place—as a service to the people,” he concluded.