Rauf Aregbesola, the national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made a striking personal declaration during a campaign rally in Osun State, stating that he has never been sexually intimate with any woman other than his wife, Sherifat, since their marriage. The former Osun State governor shared this revelation while addressing party supporters in Yoruba at an event in Ejigbo Local Government Area, as part of the ADC's campaign efforts ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
A Personal Vow Rooted in Faith
Aregbesola framed his fidelity as both a personal standard and a spiritual commitment, emphasizing that his choice was driven by the fear of God rather than social expectations. He acknowledged that his position is uncommon among men and said he has used it as the basis for a direct appeal to God. In his own words, as reported by Legit.ng: "Oh Lord my God, if you are the one I am serving, and I did not add any other thing to it. What I am about to say, only a few men can say it: Because of your fear, I never had any intimacy with another woman since I married my wife." He added, "I told God that next June, we must do it at the government house."
Context of the Osun Governorship Race
The rally forms part of the ADC's push in a three-way gubernatorial contest in Osun State. The party's candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, is competing against incumbent Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, who is seeking re-election, and Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Aregbesola, who served as Osun governor before his tenure in the federal cabinet under President Bola Tinubu, has since aligned with the ADC. His public remarks at the rally drew attention beyond the immediate campaign message, given the deeply personal nature of the declaration made before a political audience.
Why Aregbesola Joined ADC
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Aregbesola clarified that he did not defect to the ADC but deliberately joined the party to pursue his political vision. The former Osun governor said failed attempts to reform the APC and his subsequent expulsion forced him to seek another platform. He chose to remain active in politics rather than abandon his goals ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC's campaign in Osun is intensifying as the election date approaches, with Aregbesola's personal testimony adding a unique dimension to the political discourse.
