The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign song, “On your mandate, we stand,” no longer resonates with Nigerians. Speaking on Thursday at the ADC’s final campaign rally in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, described the song—often chanted by supporters of President Bola Tinubu in backing his second-term bid—as outdated.
ADC Final Rally in Ado-Ekiti
The rally was held to support ADC candidate Dare Bejide in Saturday’s governorship election. Bejide is one of 14 candidates vying for the seat. The field includes incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji (APC), Olajuyin Oyebanji (LP), Blessing Abegunde (NNPP), Samuel Akande (AAC), David Falegan (Accord), Olu Omotosho (AA), Ayodeji Ojo (ADP), Olarenwaju Anifowose (APM), Awogbemi Olaiya (APP), Praise Ayodele (PRP), Ayodele Osinkolu (YPP), Oluwole Oluyede (PDP), Damilola Adetunji (ZLP), and Peter Obafemi (SDP).
Aregbesola Mocks APC Song
When an ADC supporter at the rally began singing “On your mandate,” Aregbesola quickly dismissed it as “obsolete.” In response, he sang satirical songs to mock the ruling APC at both federal and state levels. Speaking in Yoruba, he told hundreds of ADC supporters that if Saturday’s election is free and fair, ADC would emerge victorious. “The ruling party underestimated ADC, but we will meet on election day. They aren’t governing well. If they campaign within their family, they won’t win,” he said. Aregbesola added that APC governance is below par: “Governance is zero while their politics is A1.”
High-Profile ADC Personalities
Notable ADC figures at the campaign included National Chair David Mark, National Women’s Leader Naomi Abel, and others.
Bejide Promises Victory
During the rally, ADC candidate Dare Bejide was presented with the party’s flag. Addressing supporters, he promised that if elected governor, Ekiti residents would not suffer lack of basic amenities. He urged supporters to go home and prepare for the challenge, saying they are committed to winning and “comparing their strength to a bulldozer that will overpower opponents.”
