Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has formally accepted his appointment as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing the urgent need for value-based politics in Nigeria’s deeply fragmented political landscape.
In his acceptance speech, released Tuesday, July 1, 2025, through the verified Facebook, Aregbesola lamented that the Nigerian political system has become a platform for opportunism, plagued by parties that lack ideological clarity or any meaningful connection with the people.
According to him, most political parties today are nothing more than “empty shells”—frequently merging and splitting not based on values, policies, or principles—but solely driven by the pursuit of power and personal ambitions.
Addressing party members and Nigerians, Aregbesola began his message with deep gratitude and a sense of commitment to the cause:
“It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, our nation, and our party that I accept the appointment as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress.”
He thanked the ADC leadership for the trust reposed in him and commended members who still believe politics can be a force for good—those who see political parties not as vehicles for power grabs, but as institutions for the genuine transformation of society.
“Politics must not be reduced to personal ambition. A political party should be a living institution, guided by values, shaped by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve,” he asserted.
Aregbesola drew inspiration from historical political movements across Africa, particularly the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, which he described as a model of ideological party supremacy over mere governance structures.
“The ANC is far from perfect, but it stands for something. It was born from struggle, defined by vision, and led by those committed to justice, dignity, and equality. That is what a party with a soul looks like,” he said.
In sharp contrast, Aregbesola condemned the state of party politics in Nigeria, calling many of the existing platforms hollow and disconnected from public needs.
“Sadly, we cannot say the same for many parties in Nigeria today. They are not built on ideology or policy. Instead, they are structured around personalities and power games, with little to no regard for the people or the nation.”
He affirmed that the ADC must not fall into the same trap. As Interim National Secretary, Aregbesola vowed to transform the ADC into a disciplined, structured, and ideologically-driven political force, anchored on democratic principles, transparency, and national interest.
“We must become the kind of party that is not just relevant during election seasons but one that serves the people every day.”
He outlined key pillars that will guide the ADC’s internal operations and engagement with the public:
1. Internal democracy is not just preached but practiced.
2. Intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just.
3. All party structures from the ward to the national level and function effectively and efficiently.
4. Young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.
5. 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 must not only talk about inclusion—we must practice it. Real power must reside with the people the party represents.”
Aregbesola emphasized the importance of adapting best practices from successful democracies worldwide. He referenced countries like South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya as examples of where party governance has worked well.
“We will model international best practices in party organisation, administration, and ethics—while adapting them to suit our local realities. Discipline, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define who we are.”
Beyond ideology, Aregbesola insisted that the party must actively deliver results in key sectors—education, security, and job creation.
“We must be a party that speaks of education and builds schools. A party that talks about security and backs it with real policies. A party that believes in employment and takes bold steps to create jobs. We must serve Nigeria every day—not just during election cycles.”
He acknowledged that the task ahead would be difficult and demanding, but called on party members and Nigerians to stay the course.
Aregbesola asked for active support, not blind loyalty, from all party members. He said, “This journey will require sacrifice. But it can be done. I ask you to support me not just with your words but with your actions. Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I deviate. Let us rebuild our party together—restore its soul—and return politics to its rightful purpose: service to the people.”