The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, has dismissed speculations that he is planning to return to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Aregbesola, who said he had no reason to rejoin his former party, made the clarification while addressing party faithful during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilesa on Sunday.
The former two-term governor of Osun State stated that the ruling party at the federal level had worsened the living conditions of Nigerians, subjecting citizens to hardship and economic difficulties.
He urged residents of the state to continue supporting the ADC, describing it as the only credible alternative platform.
“I want to appreciate you all. Despite the attacks, oppression, and intimidation by those who think they can continue to intimidate us, you have remained resolute, firm, and solidly behind our cause. We cannot express how grateful we are to you,” he said.
“Let me tell you, I am not planning a return to the APC. Such information is just a figment of their imagination. I have no reason to join the party again. The truth is that the current handlers have derailed from the vision and mission statement on which we built the party.
“Those in charge of our affairs at the national level have failed to uphold the basic principles of government – the welfare and security of the people. So, we do not have any reason to rejoin them. We are ADC, and despite their attacks, we continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Do not relax or waver; victory is ours by God’s grace,” Aregbesola added.
The ADC National Secretary also endorsed the party’s governorship candidate in Osun State, Najeem Salaam, describing him as loyal, committed and capable of returning the state to the path of development.
“Our candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam Iwaloye, is a man of the people. He is loyal, committed, and deeply desires to return our state to the pedestal of development at which we left it in 2018. We urge everyone to support us. We will not let you down,” he said.
In his remarks, Salaam urged party members to remain united and vigilant ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
He pledged that his administration, if elected, would focus on job creation, poverty reduction, affordable housing and addressing governance challenges in the state.
Earlier, the Osun ADC Chairman-elect, Azeez Adesiji, said the party remained united and fully constituted at both the state and national levels despite political challenges.
Adesiji congratulated the newly elected ward, local government and state executives of the party, describing their emergence as both a privilege and a call to service.
Speaking on the forthcoming governorship election, he expressed confidence that Salaam would emerge victorious through unity, hard work and divine support.
“You are all aware we have a governorship election in about three months from now. It’s a must-win for us. Let’s all work hard by mobilising to win. We have God behind us. We have the pedigree. We have done it before. God will make it happen again. Dr. Najeem Salaam will be elected on August 15 by the grace of God,” he stated.
Adesiji also disclosed that the party would commence a statewide campaign within one week, covering all local government areas and the nine federal constituencies, with mega rallies planned for Ile-Ife and Osogbo.
He commended Aregbesola for what he described as his political sagacity and thanked party leaders and members for their support and cooperation.
ADC stakeholders at the meeting also reiterated their commitment to ensuring the party’s success in the forthcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
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