As the 2027 general election draws closer, former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of failing to address hunger, joblessness, and insecurity.
Aregbesola, who also served as Minister of Interior under the APC-led government, made the call on Saturday at the unveiling and commissioning of the new state secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Basin, Ilorin, Kwara State.
He lamented that the current administration had worsened the economic situation in the country, saying many Nigerians could no longer afford basic needs due to inflation, unemployment, and rising insecurity.
“Before, with ₦10,000, you could start a small business confidently, but today even ₦200,000 is not enough. There is hunger everywhere, insecurity, and joblessness. The people in governance today are self-centred and think only about themselves,” Aregbesola said.
He criticised the neglect of critical infrastructure, citing the deplorable state of major roads such as the Ilorin–Ibadan, Ilorin–Lokoja, and Ilorin–Offa highways. According to him, the government continues to prioritise less impactful projects while abandoning those that directly affect the daily lives of citizens.
The former minister urged members of the ADC to intensify grassroots mobilisation and spread the party’s message of inclusiveness, integrity, and people-oriented leadership.
“Let’s keep talking about ADC, in markets, offices, mosques, and churches — so people will know about the party that truly wants to work for them,” he urged.
Earlier in his address, former Kwara State Governor Abdul Fatah Ahmed expressed optimism that the unveiling of the ADC secretariat marked “a new direction of political experience” in the state, saying the party aimed to redefine inclusive governance.
“This party has come to show how inclusiveness can be achieved through collective effort. I believe this event will help firmly entrench our party across the state,” Ahmed said.
Also speaking, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the event as the official flag-off of the party’s structure in Kwara, adding that the ADC was steadily gaining ground nationwide.
“ADC is now a people’s party with members across the country. We may not be many yet, but we are growing, and with God on our side, we will continue to expand,” Abdullahi said.
Aregbesola concluded by reaffirming his belief that the 2027 election represents a turning point for Nigeria.
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