BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Former Governor of Osun State and interim National Secretary of the new-look African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has tasked supporters of the coalition-backed party to refrain from attacking and insulting their counterparts in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released via his social media handles on Friday, the former Minister of Internal Affairs, while thanking supporters who received him at the Lagos airport, urged them not to fight, attack or insult anyone but brace up with wisdom for an epic battle ahead of the 2027 general elections
Speaking on his return to Lagos from Abuja, following the launch of ADC that seeks to unseat the President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration, Aregbesola noted that the task before the party supporters and admirers is immense and they avoid unnecessary issues capable of distracting their attention.
Aregbesola, who was Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos State under Governor Tinubu in 1999, said when supporters of the ruling party attack you, just challenge them with bare facts about the current state of the country.
According to the statement: “I sincerely thank our supporters and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who came out to receive me on my arrival in Lagos.
“The task before us is immense, and I reminded everyone that we do not need to fight, insult, or attack anyone.
“When others resort to abuse or name-calling, we must rise above it. Instead, ask them one simple question: Are Nigerians better off today than they were before? Challenge them with facts on food inflation, the economy, the rising cost of living, and the deepening poverty affecting millions.
“Let our debates remain focused on the issues that matter. Articulate our position clearly and confidently. Explain why our new political home, the ADC, represents a credible and necessary alternative for Nigeria’s progress and long-term sustainability.”
Once a close ally of Mr President, their relationship fell apart in 2022, when Tinubu’s nephew, Gboyega Oyetola, who succeeded Aregbesola, was running for a second term in Osun State on the platform of the APC.
The former Osun Governor’s political group, ‘Omoluabi’, did not support Oyetola’s candidacy and the ensuing conflict prompted them to throw their weight behind Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The internal crisis unfortunately led to Oyetola losing his re-election bid to the then ‘dancing’ Senator Adeleke.
