Former Interior Minister and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has described the newly formed African Democratic Congress as a party with character and soul.
All existing parties, he said, lacked such, as they had no clear ideologies, according to him.
These are contained in his acceptance speech as the Interim National Secretary of the ADC.
In the speech shared Tuesday night on the verified Facebook page of a former Kaduna State Governor, Aregbesola stated that most existing political parties are mere hollow structures that merge and split not based on policy or principle, but on the pursuit of power and personal interests.
He stated, “The ADC is not perfect but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.
“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties.
“Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells emerging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.”
Aregbesola rose to political prominence as a commissioner under then-Lagos State Governor, now President Bola Tinubu, serving in the role for eight years.
He later became Governor of Osun State under the Action Congress after a prolonged legal battle, and in 2013, played a key role in forming the APC, which defeated President Goodluck Jonathan.
After two terms as governor, he was appointed Minister of Interior by President Muhammadu Buhari. However, he fell out with Tinubu ahead of the 2023 elections due to disagreements over Osun State politics and Oyetola’s re-election bid.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Aregbesola aligned with other prominent political figures including ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, a former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai to form a new political coalition.
The coalition was unveiled during a meeting held in Abuja on March 20.
The development sparked widespread debate across the country, with political analysts and citizens expressing varied opinions on the prospects of a unified opposition force.
Following months of uncertainty about the coalition’s choice of platform, The PUNCH exclusively reported on May 19 that the African Democratic Congress had been adopted.
He stated, “Those who believe in the supremacy of the party in a democracy and all products of democratic contests. Those who recognise that parties must stand for and with the people in the promotion of their interests and aspirations.
“That parties therefore are not merely machines for winning elections but institutions for mobilising, organising, energising, educating, empowering and encouraging the people towards their emancipation and development.
“Let me begin by saying this: a political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.
“As the National Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass as a party that is absolutely committed to the people, rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and national development.
“We must become an institution where: Internal democracy is not just preached but practised. Intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just. All party structures from the ward to the national level and function effectively and efficiently. Young people, women, and the marginalised have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.”
Aregbesola stressed the importance of ensuring that every sector of the country is acknowledged and included in the structure of the ADC.
He stated, “All special and critical interests(security, educators, farmers, workers, women, youth, professionals, people with special needs, etc., must be recognised and allowed to have autonomous structures within the party.
“We will model international best practices in party organisation, administration, and ethics. We will study what works—from South Africa to Sweden, from Chile to Kenya, and adapt what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.
“We must be the party that talks about public education and actually builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them. That stands for Nigeria not just during elections, but in everyday governance.
“This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.”
