By Emmanuel Kwada
In a stirring acceptance speech delivered on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, newly appointed Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), outlined a bold vision to transform the party into a beacon of ideological clarity, democratic values, and people-centered governance. The ADC, recently adopted as the platform for Nigeria’s opposition coalition, is poised for a significant overhaul under Aregbesola’s leadership as it prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Speaking to party leaders, members, and supporters in Abuja, Aregbesola expressed deep humility and gratitude for the trust placed in him by the coalition and the ADC leadership, particularly following his appointment alongside former Senate President Sen. David Mark as Interim National Chairman.
His speech underscored a commitment to redefining the role of political parties in Nigeria, drawing inspiration from global models like South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC).
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
“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,” Aregbesola declared. “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.”
Aregbesola lamented the state of Nigeria’s political landscape, criticizing parties that lack ideological depth and function as “empty shells” driven by power and personality rather than principle.
He vowed that the ADC would stand apart, becoming a party rooted in democratic values, social justice, transparency, and national development.
Outlining his vision, Aregbesola committed to building a party where internal democracy is practiced, not just preached; where intra-party competition is transparent and fair; and where structures from ward to national levels function effectively.
We will model international best practices in party organization, administration, and ethics
He emphasized inclusivity, ensuring that young people, women, and marginalized groups have a genuine voice, alongside autonomous structures for critical interest groups such as educators, farmers, workers, and people with special needs.
“We will model international best practices in party organization, administration, and ethics,” Aregbesola said, citing examples from South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya. “Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.”
He urged the ADC to be a party that delivers tangible results—building schools, supporting security policies, and creating jobs—not just making promises during elections. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Aregbesola called for active support and accountability from party members, stating, “Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place—as a service to the people.”
The speech has sparked optimism among ADC supporters, who see Aregbesola’s appointment as a strategic move to leverage his experience as a former governor and political strategist to unify the opposition coalition. The official unveiling of the ADC’s new leadership, including former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as Interim National Publicity Secretary, is scheduled for July 9, 2025, in Abuja.
Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray
As the ADC positions itself as the rallying point for Nigeria’s opposition, Aregbesola’s call for a disciplined, people-centered party signals a new chapter in the country’s political evolution. “Long live our party. Long live our democracy. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded, setting the tone for a transformative journey ahead.
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