Former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has pledged to revive ideological discipline and people-centered politics in Nigeria following his appointment as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the newly adopted platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group.
Aregbesola made the vow in an official statement shared via his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, where he described his appointment as a profound call to duty and an opportunity to rebuild political structures that prioritize the people over personal ambitions.
“It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party that I accept the appointment as the National Secretary of our great party,” Aregbesola stated.
He emphasized that political parties should not be mere platforms for opportunists or tools for self-serving ambitions. Rather, he said, they should serve as institutions for mobilizing, organizing, energizing, educating, empowering, and encouraging the people towards their emancipation and development.
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Aregbesola while referencing South African’s African National Congress (ANC), said , the importance of party supremacy and ideological grounding.
“The ANC 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,” he said.
In a veiled criticism of Nigeria’s current political landscape, Aregbesola decried the absence of ideology in most political parties, describing them as “empty shells, merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality.”
He assured party faithful and Nigerians that under his watch, the ADC would uphold internal democracy, ensure fairness in intra-party contests, and give voice to youths, women, professionals, and other marginalized groups.
“We must become an institution where internal democracy is not just preached but practiced.”
“Where all party structures, from ward to national levels, function effectively, and special interest groups such as educators, farmers, workers, youth, and people with disabilities have real representation.”
Aregbesola also promised to adopt global best practices in political organization, referencing models from countries such as South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya. He stressed that the ADC must go beyond campaign rhetoric to actual delivery on governance promises.
“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,” he added.
The former Interior Minister called on party members and the Nigerian public to actively participate in rebuilding the party, noting that it would require commitment, discipline, and collective resolve.
“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,” he said.
