2027: Aregbesola rallies Osun voters to dislodge APC

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has called on the people of Osun State and the country at large to support the party in ousting the government of the All Progressives Congress.

Aregbesola noted that ADC was ready to rescue the country from the current “occupiers” who he said had taken it backwards.

The former minister of interior stated this while addressing ADC members and loyalists who came out to welcome him to Osogbo, on Sunday.

The former two-term governor of Osun State affirmed that while obstacles were inevitable, ADC would not derail the party’s focused drive to offer Nigerians a “credible, people-first alternative in the 2027 general election.”

Aregbesola emphasised that the ADC’s mission provided a viable alternative with a leadership that listens, serves, and delivers.

“We are not here to trade insults. We are here to restore what has been lost — dignity, competence, and direction,” he said.

He warned that APC would use every tool including misinformation, media manipulation, and coordinated attacks to distract, discredit, or divide the ADC.

Aregbesola, however, said the party would remain focused on its mission and continue engaging Nigerians across the country to shape a better path forward.

He assured party members that the ADC was open to all Nigerians who believed in a future driven by competence, inclusion, and compassion.

“This party is for everyone. We welcome you, not as enemies of others, but as Nigerians determined to chart a better path forward. We know the game — distractions, smears, provocations. But we will not play it.

“We are on a mission, and we will stay focused, building quietly, consistently, and with conviction,” he said.

The ADC scribe reiterated that the party’s strategy was rooted in the progressive philosophy that once transformed the Western Region, a philosophy that delivered even in the worst of times.

He said, “We used those same principles in Osun to navigate the worst economic crisis in Nigeria’s history and still delivered measurable progress. This is what Nigeria needs now: grounded, proven, and people-driven.

“We are stepping into a new chapter, one of responsibility, restoration, and meaningful results. The struggles of the past were not in vain. They’ve prepared us to lead with clarity and conviction. The best of what we have to offer is still ahead.”

Aregbesola, while advising ADC members not to be baited into unnecessary conflict or distractions, declared, “This is our finest hour. Let them throw insults. We will offer answers. Let others fight. We will build.”

On Nigeria’s current condition, Aregbesola highlighted rising poverty, insecurity, and disillusionment, noting that the country had gone backwards.

“From every corner of the country, the people are asking: ‘Is this the future we were promised?’ And the painful truth is, things have gotten worse.

“Nigerians are not asking for miracles. They are asking for leadership that puts the people first and delivers real, measurable results,” he said.

Aregbesola reflected on the true meaning of leadership, emphasising that it must be rooted in service, not self-interest.

“Power is not a prize to seize, but a duty to serve. Not a throne to occupy, but a burden to bear with honour. True leadership gives more than it takes. That is our covenant: power is a responsibility,” he said.

The former governor added that Nigeria could still rise but only if leadership puts people before power and service before self.

He said, “That is the future the ADC is fighting for. Standing on a legacy, building a future. This is the legacy we inherit. But more importantly, it is the future we must build. Let us rise to the moment, with discipline, courage, and faith in the Nigerian people.”

Earlier, a chieftain of the ADC in Osun State, Felix Ogunwale, said he decided to join the party because he believed in Aregbesola’s leadership, urging party members to engage in a mass campaign.

Ogunwale said, “If you remember when Aregbesola came to Osun to contest for governor, how it started then is what we are witnessing again now. That is why I decided to join Aregbesola in the ADC.

“This is a party that follows rules and regulations. Things will go smoothly and we are open to anyone who wants to join the party. However, we won’t allow those who will destroy our party.”

The state chairman of the party, Charles Omidiji, said ADC was poised to take over the state in 2026, noting that the leadership of the party would work to ensure victory.

Omidiji, while appreciating Aregbesola for his leadership qualities, urged party members to remain steadfast and united in their resolve to take over the state in 2026.

“We are poised to take over the state in 2026 and I am confident that we will win next year’s election. ADC will produce the next governor of Osun State.

“The leadership of the party will work to ensure that we achieve victory. I want to urge our party members to remain steadfast as we journey towards ensuring that our party wins next year’s gubernatorial election,” he stated.