Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, made a bold move in Lagos last weekend, spearheading a robust membership drive to bolster the party’s presence in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The event, marked by fervent mobilization efforts, signals the ADC’s ambition to expand its influence in the Southwest ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections.
Aregbesola, a prominent political figure and former Minister of Interior, met with ADC chairmen from across the Southwest to strategize on party matters and grassroots mobilization.
Addressing supporters, he emphasized the need for mass engagement, urging members to focus on recruiting new supporters to strengthen the ADC’s foothold.
“Everybody for now should concentrate on mass mobilization. Party membership cards will be available soon,” Aregbesola declared, as reported by a former commissioner in attendance.
The Lagos event follows Aregbesola’s recent high-profile activities, including a surprise visit to woo former Oyo State Governor Oyinlola to the ADC, a move that has sparked discussions about the party’s growing coalition.
However, Aregbesola’s shift to the ADC has not been without controversy. His exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he was expelled for alleged anti-party activities, has drawn criticism from some quarters.
The Nation Newspaper reported that the APC formally sacked Aregbesola, citing his actions against party interests, including his fallout with political ally President Bola Tinubu.
Critics, including George Agbakahi of the Tinubu Support Organisation, have accused the ADC of engaging in “propaganda” and verbal attacks on the current administration.
Despite the tensions, Aregbesola remains undeterred, framing his move to the ADC as a commitment to a new political vision.
His supporters highlight his track record, including his innovative governance in Osun, such as the introduction of the Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge), which revolutionized education in the state.
They argue that his leadership and ideological clarity, rooted in his days as a student activist and progressive politician, position him to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
The ADC’s push in Lagos comes at a time when the party is struggling to establish a strong presence in key states like Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, and Delta, as noted in a recent report by The Nation.
Yet, Aregbesola’s mobilization efforts and his ability to draw crowds suggest that ADC is banking on his political clout to challenge established parties.
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