By Kogi News Tribune | July 4, 2025
A large crowd of enthusiastic supporters gathered at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday evening to welcome former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, following his recent appointment as interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Donning bright orange caps and waving banners, the supporters expressed renewed optimism over Aregbesola’s involvement in the emerging opposition coalition aimed at redefining Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing journalists shortly after his arrival from Abuja, the former Osun State governor drew parallels between the ADC and South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), highlighting the importance of ideological depth and moral clarity in politics.
“The ANC was born out of struggle and anchored in vision, justice, and inclusivity,” Aregbesola noted. “While not perfect, it embodies a spirit that most Nigerian political parties lack—character, soul, and a sense of purpose.”
Aregbesola lamented the ideological vacuum within Nigeria’s current party system, stating that many political organizations exist merely for power struggles rather than policy-driven leadership.
“Today, too many parties in Nigeria are shallow vessels—driven by personalities, not principles,” he said. “They fracture not over ideas, but ambition.”
The ADC’s growing coalition has attracted attention with support from prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The bloc aims to consolidate opposition forces in preparation for the 2027 presidential race, with a unified agenda to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
