Aregbesola Declares APC Has Fallen Short, Predicts Party’s Exit in 2027

 

Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has taken a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the ruling party has failed to deliver on the economy, security, and other crucial sectors of national development.

Aregbesola, who spoke in Osogbo on Tuesday during the official unveiling of the ADC in the state, said the party that brought him to national prominence has lost touch with good governance and the expectations of Nigerians.

Addressing supporters at the event, the former Interior Minister insisted that the APC’s dominance would end in the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to embrace the ADC as a credible alternative.

He said, “God has left the present government, including the one at the centre. They know how they used to manipulate elections; we know their tactics. Ahead of the coming polls, take good care of elderly women who no longer bear children—give them new clothes and let them sit in groups at polling units. Then leave the rest to God.

“Those in government tried their best, but God is not with them because they didn’t start with God. They are selfish. They started with emi instead of awa. They have failed in the economy, security, governance, and every other area.”

Aregbesola, who had earlier embarked on a mobilisation tour across Osun’s nine federal constituencies, declared in a popular song that ADC members would “meet in Abere” after the party wins the forthcoming governorship election.

Before the unveiling rally, he led ADC leaders on a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

A statement by Oluwaseun Abosede, Chairman of the ADC Directorate of Media and Publicity in Osun, said residents trooped out massively as the party concluded its Federal Constituency Tour.

But in a swift reaction, the Osun APC Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, dismissed Aregbesola’s comments as self-indicting, insisting that the former minister benefitted immensely from the same party he now criticises.

“At what point did the APC fail?” Olabisi asked.
“He was governor for eight years and minister for four years through the benevolence of this same party. If he now says the APC has failed, he is attacking himself.”

The former governor had earlier urged Nigerians to embrace the ADC, assuring that the party, if elected, would end banditry and other violent crimes. He made the remarks in Ilesa after revalidating his ADC membership.

Aregbesola said he joined the party because of its discipline, integrity and organisational values.