Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, citing growing economic hardship, insecurity, and what he described as selfish governance.
Aregbesola made the call on Saturday during the unveiling and commissioning of the new Kwara State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Basin, Ilorin.
Addressing party members and supporters, Aregbesola lamented the deteriorating state of the nation under the APC-led federal government.
“There is hunger everywhere. Unemployment is worsening, and insecurity is rising,” he said.
“₦10,000 used to be enough to start a small business, but today even ₦200,000 can’t get you off the ground. Those in government today think only of themselves.”
He further criticized the government’s neglect of critical infrastructure, citing the poor state of major roads such as Ilorin–Ibadan, Ilorin–Lokoja, and Ilorin–Offa, which he said have been abandoned in favour of less impactful projects.
Aregbesola, who has aligned himself with the ADC, urged members of the party to embark on aggressive grassroots mobilisation to enlighten Nigerians on the party’s mission and vision.
“Talk about ADC everywhere, in markets, workplaces, mosques, churches. Let the people know that there is a party that truly cares about their lives,” he encouraged.
Former Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Ahmed, in his welcome remarks, described the event as a turning point for the political climate in the state.
“This is the start of a new political direction. ADC believes in inclusiveness, and we’re building a party where both men and women have a voice in shaping our future,” Ahmed said.
Similarly, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the commissioning as the official flag-off of the party’s structure in Kwara State.
“We are growing. ADC is not yet where it wants to be, but we are on the path. With God’s help, we will continue to expand and deliver true governance to Nigerians,” he stated.
In a major boost for the party, Babatunde Muhammad, a former Kwara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally defected to the ADC alongside thousands of his supporters.
The defection was received with enthusiasm by party members, who see it as a sign of growing acceptance of the ADC as a viable alternative to the dominant political parties.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Danladi from Offa Local Government praised Aregbesola for his bold stance and commitment to the masses.
“Today, our roads are in terrible shape, there’s no water, insecurity is everywhere, it feels like there’s no governance. But the ADC gives hope because it is built on equality and integrity,” he said.
