The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has declared former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the leader of the party in the South-West, while calling on party leaders across the region to close ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of Osun State ADC, Adelani Baderinwa, and obtained by newsmen on Thursday, the former Vice-President said Aregbesola had earned the leadership position in the region through his previous political offices, experience and proven capacity for political mobilisation and organisation.

Atiku made the declaration while addressing a cross-section of ADC leaders and members at a meeting convened by the party’s South-West Zonal Chairman, Hon. Akin Omole.

He said the leadership of the ADC in the South-West had never been in dispute, stressing that Aregbesola’s political experience and contribution to the development of the party made him a natural leader in the region.

Atiku also assured the gathering that everything humanly possible would be done to reconcile the differences among party leaders across the six South-West states.

He urged leaders and stakeholders in the zone to put their differences aside, close ranks and work together towards strengthening the party and achieving success in the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, Omole briefed the ADC presidential candidate on what he described as persistent disquiet within the party across the six states, noting that the situation had affected the progress and development of the party in the region.

He said the meeting was convened as part of efforts to identify the sources of the disagreements and find lasting solutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Omole further appealed to Atiku and other national leaders of the party present at the meeting to intervene in the various challenges identified by a committee constituted to examine the state of the party across the South-West.

He subsequently presented the committee’s report to Atiku for consideration and necessary action.

The meeting also called on ADC leaders across the region to embrace reconciliation, unity and collective responsibility, stressing that a united party would be better positioned to pursue its objectives and compete effectively in the forthcoming general election.