Aregbesola Clarifies Party Membership Ahead of 2027 Elections
Rauf Aregbesola, former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has clarified that he did not defect to the party but deliberately joined it as a platform to pursue his political vision ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a video shared on social media on Monday, February 23, 2026, Aregbesola addressed supporters, stating he adopted ADC to lead Nigeria "out of darkness."
Failed APC Reforms and Expulsion
Aregbesola explained that his move followed failed efforts to reform the All Progressives Congress (APC) from within. He claimed that after a long effort to correct issues within the party, the current leadership refused to listen to his advice and expelled him without due process in January 2025. This expulsion also affected his loyalists, leaving them with limited options.
He described the situation as a choice between abandoning politics or finding a new platform to pursue their objectives. "Now we have just two options: to abandon politics or to remain in politics and have a new platform to pursue our vision for our people and the nation," Aregbesola stated.
Political Strategy and Warnings
Earlier, Aregbesola had warned that defections by governors to the APC cannot guarantee electoral victory for Bola Tinubu in 2027. He cautioned party leaders against relying on political realignments, emphasizing that Nigerians judge administrations based on economic realities, governance quality, and responsiveness. He urged the ruling party to prioritize reforms, internal democracy, and citizen-focused policies.
ADC as a Credible Alternative
In related comments, Aregbesola blamed the APC for Nigeria's deepening hardship, citing worsening living conditions, rising costs, and insecurity as policy failures. He argued that the ruling party has lost touch with ordinary Nigerians and can no longer inspire confidence. He encouraged citizens to consider the African Democratic Congress as a credible alternative for addressing national challenges.
Aregbesola, a former two-term governor of Osun state, had led a faction within the APC known as The Osun Progressives, later rebranded as the Omoluabi Caucus. His clarification aims to frame his ADC membership as a strategic move rather than a mere defection, highlighting his ongoing commitment to political engagement and reform ahead of the 2027 elections.
