Rauf Aregbesola, former minister of interior and ex-governor of Osun state, has formally resumed duties as the interim national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), vowing to rebuild the party into an ideological force rooted in people-centred values.
Speaking during his acceptance speech on Tuesday, July 1, Aregbesola said his appointment by the National Opposition Coalition Group marks a turning point for opposition politics in Nigeria.
His words: “This party will stand for something. “It will not be a mere vehicle for opportunism or personal ambition, but a living institution —built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people.”
Aregbesola criticised the country’s current political climate, saying most parties operate without ideological depth or a clear purpose beyond power struggles.
He said: “Our political landscape is plagued by parties that are nothing but empty shells.
“They merge and split not over ideas or policies, but personalities and power. That is not the kind of party I will serve.”
He pledged to transform the ADC into a party anchored on internal democracy, transparency, inclusion, and service delivery — one that listens to citizens beyond election cycles.
“We must become an institution where internal democracy is not just preached but practiced; where youth, women, workers, and professionals have real voices, not token seats,” he said.
Citing global party systems such as South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) and others in Sweden and Chile, Aregbesola said the ADC would adapt best practices to local realities to build a disciplined and visionary organisation.
He ended with a call for collective responsibility, asking party members to challenge and hold him accountable.
“Politics must return to its rightful place as a service to the people. Long live our party. Long live our democracy. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.
