Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, has dismissed reports suggesting he is planning a return to the All Progressives Congress, insisting that he remains fully committed to the ADC.
Aregbesola made the declaration on Sunday during the ADC leadership and stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilesa, Osun State. The gathering attracted party members and stakeholders from all 332 wards across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Osun ADC publicity secretary-elect, Oluwaseun Abosede, Aregbesola used the meeting to formally present the party’s governorship candidate for the August 15 Osun election, Najeem Salaam, to party members.
Addressing participants at the event, the former governor described rumours linking him to a possible return to the APC as “baseless and laughable,” stressing that he has no intention of rejoining the ruling party after leaving more than three years ago.
Aregbesola stated that the APC had abandoned the progressive ideals and people-focused governance principles upon which the party was originally founded.
According to him, “The APC has completely abandoned the foundational vision and people-oriented ideals upon which governance should stand. The primary essence of government remains welfare and security, both of which have been neglected and thrown into the dustbin.”
He reaffirmed his dedication to the ADC, noting that despite efforts by political opponents to weaken the party, it has continued to record steady growth and political victories.
The former Minister of Interior also urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation across their wards ahead of future political contests, expressing confidence that the ADC would emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections.
The development follows the recent exit of the Omoluabi Progressives, a political group loyal to Aregbesola, from the APC.
The group had earlier announced its decision to leave the ruling party after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilesa. In a statement signed by Oluwaseun Abosede, the group cited alleged marginalisation, suspension, and expulsion of members without fair hearing as reasons for its departure.
The statement also accused the APC leadership of neglecting the interests of the group and failing to properly address internal crises, which members claimed contributed to the party’s poor performance in previous elections.
Political observers believe Aregbesola’s latest remarks may further deepen existing divisions within the Osun APC while strengthening the ADC’s political structure ahead of future elections in the state.
