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A former Minister and Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that most political parties in the country — particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), his former party, have become “empty shells” driven by ambition and power, not ideology or people-centered governance.
Aregbesola made the remarks in his acceptance speech following his appointment as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), now the adopted platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group.
“This is not the kind of party I will serve,” he said pointedly, contrasting his new political home with those he described as being devoid of values, vision, or institutional discipline. “Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth… They merge and split not over policy or principle, but over power and personality.”
Drawing comparisons with South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), which he hailed as an imperfect but principled force, Aregbesola lamented the erosion of internal democracy and the commodification of political power in Nigeria. He stated that true political parties should be “living institutions” grounded in service, not tools of opportunism for a select elite.
As ADC’s new Interim National Secretary, Aregbesola pledged to rebuild the party around clear ideological goals: internal democracy, inclusivity, accountability, and service delivery.
“We will model international best practices… from South Africa to Sweden,” he said, promising a people-oriented political structure that elevates youth, women, and marginalized groups.
“We must return politics to its rightful place — as a service to the people,” Aregbesola declared. “And I am ready to be held accountable every step of the way.”
Aregbesola had earlier rejected his appointment as the secretary of the new formed coalition, stating that his wife asked him to take things slow. But according to a source within, he yeilded to their request due to compelling pressure from stakeholders in the party.
His appointment and defiant tone may signal a bold new chapter for the opposition in Nigeria, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
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