The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as its Interim General Secretary, as it officially unveiled itself as the national coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his acceptance speech at the unveiling event in Abuja, Aregbesola declared that political power should not be viewed as a trophy to be seized, but as a responsibility to be borne in service of the people.
“Power is not a prize to be seized, but a responsibility to be shouldered. It is not a throne to occupy, but a burden to bear with honour,” Aregbesola said, outlining a new vision for politics in Nigeria.
He stressed that the ADC will not be another party of opportunism, but one built on principles of good governance, character, and competence. According to him, Nigerian politics must shift from personality-centered alliances to ideologically rooted institutions committed to national development.
Aregbesola lamented the current political landscape, where parties frequently merge and split without ideological direction, driven instead by the ambitions of individuals.
“That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve,” he said, adding that his mission is to build a party with “a clear ideological compass”—one anchored in democratic values, social justice, and accountability.
He emphasized the party’s commitment to education, security, prosperity, and consistent engagement with citizens—not just during elections, but daily.
Aregbesola’s emergence as Interim General Secretary of the coalition marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition space, with many now watching the ADC’s next moves closely ahead of 2027.