Aregbesola meets ADC members in Ondo, says unity key to winning in 2027

Rauf Aregbesola, interim national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says party members should put aside personal ambitions and rally together to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

Aregbesola spoke in Akure, the Ondo state capital, on Thursday during a meeting with party members.

The former governor of Osun said the party’s strength lies in its ability to stay united, adding that internal divisions would only weaken its chances in future elections.

“We must come together and drop personal interests. It’s unity that will give us victory in the coming elections—from the presidential to national and state assembly contests,” Aregbesola said.

“We still have time, but the task ahead is enormous. If we are united, we will not be defeated.”

He said the ADC had gained significant momentum as a coalition platform, enjoying the support of key opposition figures such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections.

The former minister of interior noted that the coalition is focused on presenting a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Gbenga Edema, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate in the 2024 Ondo governorship election, said Aregbesola’s visit was to brief ADC members on the direction of the coalition.

“About two weeks ago, the coalition chose the ADC as its political platform,” Edema said.

“This is the first opportunity for a top-level briefing. He clarified many issues, including court cases that have been exaggerated by the ruling party to sow confusion.

“He explained that these cases have no real impact—they are just being amplified by opponents.”

Akin Akinbobola, a former board member of the Nigerian Premier League, described the ADC coalition as a rescue mission for Nigeria.

“Our leader has charged us to unite as progressives to rescue this country from collapse,” he said.

“Nigeria is sinking—hunger, insecurity, decaying infrastructure, and opacity in governance have taken over. This coalition gives hope for national revival, and the ADC is the vehicle.”

Akinbobola, a former media aide to ex-governor Olusegun Mimiko, said more politicians from the ruling APC are expected to join the coalition.

“At our last meeting, 10 political parties were present—and that’s just the beginning,” he said.

“This gathering is to familiarise ourselves and build trust. Once the formal structure is in place, our numbers will swell.”

He added that although managing a large coalition could be tough, internal cohesion would be critical.

“It’s a large army we’re building. Managing it won’t be easy, but there’s space for everyone,” he said.

“It will be like a tsunami sweeping across the state.”