ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention

ABUJA — Former Osun State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the party remains “unstoppable,” likening its rise to the inevitability of the sun, despite what he described as attempts by the ruling establishment to weaken opposition forces.

Speaking at the ADC’s 8th National Convention, Aregbesola said the party’s existence is rooted in the will of Nigerians and protected by the constitution, insisting that no political pressure or institutional interference could halt its progress.

“Just as no power can stop the sun from rising, so can the ADC not be stopped,” he told delegates.

Blasts Political System, Accuses Ruling Forces of Undermining Democracy

The ADC leader accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of actions he described as anti-democratic, alleging efforts to frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

He criticized what he termed the normalization of political “criminality,” arguing that recent political realignments and electoral practices undermine democratic integrity.

According to him, ADC does not owe its existence to any individual or institution but to Nigerians “tired of deceit and mismanagement.”

Harsh Assessment of Economy, Security, and Governance

Aregbesola painted a grim picture of the nation’s condition, citing economic decline, rising inflation, and worsening living standards.

He noted that the naira’s depreciation from about ₦700 to ₦1,400 per dollar reflects what he described as poor economic management, while fuel prices have surged significantly, making daily life difficult for citizens.

On security, he described the current situation as one of the worst in Nigeria’s history, raising concerns about increasing violence and what he called a lack of empathy from leadership in responding to national tragedies.

ADC Positions Itself as Nigeria’s “Rescue Mission”

The former minister said the ADC has, within months, transformed into a major opposition force, claiming it now represents the “hope of the Nigerian people.”

He outlined the party’s rapid structural expansion, ongoing membership drive, and efforts to build alliances with other opposition groups including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Aregbesola emphasized that the party is preparing to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections through what he described as a “united opposition front.”

Defends Party Leadership Changes, Convention Legitimacy

Providing details of internal restructuring, Aregbesola said the emergence of new leadership, including David Mark as caretaker national chairman, followed due constitutional process and was duly communicated to INEC.

He argued that the commission’s refusal to monitor the convention violates provisions of the Electoral Act, insisting that ADC fulfilled all legal requirements.

Alleges Persecution of Opposition Figures

The ADC leader further accused the government of using state institutions such as anti-corruption agencies and security services to intimidate opposition politicians.

He cited cases involving figures like Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, describing the trend as a dangerous signal for democracy.

Calls for United Front Ahead of 2027

Aregbesola concluded with a rallying call for Nigerians to support the ADC’s mission to restore “freedom, security, and prosperity,” warning against political apathy.

“A democracy without opposition is an autocracy,” he said, urging citizens to reject what he termed any attempt at political “coronation.”

Closing Note

The convention, themed “So that Nigeria will work for Freedom, Security and Prosperity,” brought together party delegates and stakeholders, marking a significant step in ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI*

On behalf of our Grand Patron, Dr. Tunde Osinowo (Pepperito Jnr.), we leaders and Members of Ogun East for Yayi heartily congratulate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for being the consensus Governorship candidate of our party, APC, in the 2027 election.

This is marvelous and indeed great in the sight of God.

Without mincing words, the choice of Yayi by the party stakeholders is the best and the most surest assurance to coast the Party to victory at the general elections come February, 2027.

We commend the maturity, dispositions and spirit of sportsmanship with which all the Gubernatorial aspirants embraced the decision and extended hands of fellowship to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, the Gubernatorial Hopeful.

We beseech God to grant Yayi and all of us, leaders, followers and supporters, the enablements to see him duly elected as Governor of Ogun State at the general election in Jesus mighty name.

We congratulate the incoming Governor of Ogun State and our Excellency in waiting, Yayi.

This is Yayi O’clock.

Praise God!

Mo yo fun e, mo yo fun ra mi.

Lagos Remains Center of Nigeria’s Economy, Says Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has reaffirmed Lagos as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, stressing that despite Abuja being the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos continues to drive the nation’s economic strength.

Obasa made this declaration on Thursday, April 16, when he received the new leadership of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), led by its President, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, during a courtesy visit to the Assembly.

The Speaker emphasized that Lagos remains the best destination for investment in Nigeria, citing landmark legislations such as the Public Private Partnership Law, the Employment Trust Fund Law, and the Lagos State Lottery Law as evidence of the Assembly’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment. He noted that these laws were designed to support entrepreneurs, attract investors, and sustain Lagos’s position as the economic hub of the country.

“Lagos is the center of Nigeria’s economy. We have always been pro-business and pro-people, and our laws reflect this commitment. Lagos is strategically placed to be the leading light of Africa, geographically, economically, and otherwise,” Obasa stated.

Earlier, Engr. Kupoluyi appreciated the Assembly’s initiatives and called for stronger collaboration between the legislature and the business community. He urged the House to continue enacting policies that would ease business operations and foster economic growth in the state.

The LCCI delegation included Chief Varkey Verghese, MFR (Hon. Life Vice President), Sir Ladi Smith (Vice President), Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo (Vice President), Dr. Chinyere Almona, FCA (Director General), Dr. Sunnie Omeiza-Michael (Director, Research & Advocacy), and Mrs. Akintunde Temitope (Director, International).

Members of the House present were Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Hon. Oladele Ajomale, Hon. Jubril AbdulKareem and Hon. Bonu Solomon and Hon. Ajayi. Also in attendance was Clerk of the House Mr. Lekan Onafeko, alongside aides to the Speaker.

The meeting underscored the shared vision of both institutions to position Lagos not only as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse but also as a continental leader in commerce and development.