President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s former ally and ex-Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has formally accepted his appointment as the interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the newly adopted platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group. Aregbesola pledged sweeping reforms to reposition the party as a values-driven institution committed to the public good.
Former senate President, David Mark, has also been appointed as Interim National Chairman.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Aregbesola expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership and members, describing his appointment as a call to duty. He emphasized that political parties must function beyond election-winning machines and instead serve as institutions that mobilize and empower citizens. “A party is not a platform for opportunism or a tool for personal ambition,” he said.
Aregbesola criticized the ideological vacuum in Nigeria’s current political environment, noting that many parties today operate without vision or commitment to the people. He contrasted this with the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, which he described as an enduring model of party supremacy and people-centered governance, despite its imperfections.
“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties. Our landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth—empty shells driven by personalities, not principles,” he lamented. He vowed not to allow the ADC fall into that category and promised to build a party with a clear ideological compass rooted in rule of law, justice, accountability, and development.
As interim National Secretary, Aregbesola outlined his priorities, including institutional reforms that guarantee internal democracy and genuine inclusion. He stressed that party structures—from ward to national level—must function transparently and efficiently. “Women, youth, and marginalized groups must be given real voice, not symbolic inclusion,” he added.
He also proposed creating autonomous platforms within the party for professionals, educators, farmers, security personnel, people with disabilities, and other special interest groups. According to Aregbesola, this would ensure representation and help the party reflect the full spectrum of Nigerian society.
Drawing inspiration from global best practices, Aregbesola said the ADC would study models of party organization from countries like South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya, adapting them to Nigeria’s reality. He reiterated that discipline, order, and public service would define the party’s new direction.
He concluded with a call for accountability and public engagement, urging members and Nigerians to support him with both criticism and commitment. “This is not an easy task. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done,” Aregbesola said. “Politics must return to its rightful place—as a service to the people.”