Supporters of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the newly appointed National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), gathered in large numbers at the Lagos airport on Friday evening to welcome him back from Abuja.
The former Minister of Interior was warmly received by a jubilant crowd of loyalists, many of whom wore bright orange caps to show solidarity and renewed political enthusiasm.
Aregbesola, who was recently named the interim National Secretary of the ADC, has joined a coalition determined to reshape Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking about his new position, the former Osun State Governor drew inspiration from South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), describing it as a party rooted in vision and integrity, qualities he says most Nigerian parties lack.
“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. It has character. It has soul,” Aregbesola remarked.
He expressed disappointment over the state of political parties in Nigeria, claiming most of them operate without clear ideology or principle.
“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties.”
“Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth.”
“They are empty shells emerging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality,” he said.
The ADC, which has gained backing from prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Senate President David Mark, is being positioned as a strong opposition bloc aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
