The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has dismissed the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign song, “On your mandate, we stand,” as outdated and no longer resonating with Nigerians. Speaking on Thursday at the ADC’s final campaign rally in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, the former Osun State governor criticized the song often sung by supporters of President Bola Tinubu in support of his second-term bid.
ADC Rally Ahead of Saturday’s Governorship Election
The ADC rally was held in support of its candidate in Saturday’s governorship election, Dare Bejide. Mr. Bejide is one of 14 candidates vying for the position. The crowded 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).
When an ADC supporter on the campaign ground raised the APC song, Mr. Aregbesola, a former APC chieftain and one-time political ally of President Tinubu, quickly dismissed it as “obsolete.” In response, he sang satirical songs to mock the ruling APC at both the federal and state levels.
Aregbesola’s Critique of APC Governance
Addressing hundreds of ADC supporters in Yoruba, Mr. Aregbesola declared that if Saturday’s governorship election is free and fair, the ADC would emerge victorious. He noted that the ruling party underestimated the ADC but warned, “We will meet on election day. They aren’t governing well. If they campaign within their family, they won’t win.”
Mr. Aregbesola further criticized APC governance, stating, “Governance is zero while their politics is A1.” High-profile ADC personalities at the campaign included National Chair David Mark, National Women’s Leader Naomi Abel, and others.
Bejide Assures Victory
During the campaign rally, the ADC candidate, Mr. Bejide, was presented with the party’s flag. Addressing his supporters, he promised that if elected governor, Ekiti residents would not suffer basic amenities. He urged his supporters to go home and prepare for the upcoming challenge, saying they are committed to winning, “comparing their strength to a bulldozer that will overpower their opponents.”
