Former Interior Minister and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has dismissed speculations that he is planning to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he remains fully committed to the ADC. Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, made the clarification during a leadership and stakeholders’ meeting of the ADC held in Ilesa on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary-elect, Oluwaseun Abosede, the meeting attracted party leaders and members from the 332 wards across the state. At the event, Aregbesola also presented the ADC governorship candidate for the August 15 guber election in the state, Dr Najeem Salaam, to party members and stakeholders.
Reacting to reports linking him with a possible return to the APC, the former minister described the claims as “baseless and laughable,” stressing that he had no reason to go back to the ruling party after leaving it over three years ago. He accused APC of abandoning what he described as the core principles of governance, particularly in the areas of welfare and security. Aregbesola reaffirmed his commitment to ADC, noting that despite challenges and attempts to frustrate the party, it has continued to grow across the country.
Background on Aregbesola’s Political Journey
Aregbesola, a prominent political figure in Nigeria, served as the Minister of Interior under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023. He was previously the governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018. His departure from the APC in 2023 was a significant political shift, as he was one of the founding members of the party. Since joining the ADC, he has taken on the role of National Secretary, working to strengthen the party’s presence nationwide.
ADC’s Growing Influence
The ADC has been positioning itself as a viable alternative to the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With Aregbesola’s leadership, the party has been expanding its grassroots support, particularly in the southwestern region. The presentation of Dr Najeem Salaam as the governorship candidate for Osun State is part of the party’s strategy to contest the upcoming election with a strong candidate.
Aregbesola’s reaffirmation of loyalty to the ADC is expected to quell rumors and solidify the party’s base. He emphasized that the ADC remains committed to addressing the challenges facing the nation, including security and economic development.
