By Peter Omopo
Abuja | July 2, 2025 — A faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), operating under the banner of Concerned Stakeholders of the ADC, has publicly rejected the appointment of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s Interim National Secretary, describing the development as unconstitutional and lacking legitimacy.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday and signed by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, the group, which comprises youth leaders, women leaders, state executives, and ward coordinators, criticised what it called an imposition and a deviation from the party’s democratic values.
Titled “ADC is not a one-man project: A response to Rauf Aregbesola’s acceptance speech”, the statement dismissed Aregbesola’s recent remarks and acceptance of the role, as well as claims that the ADC has been adopted as the official platform for a proposed national opposition coalition.
“While we appreciate the enthusiasm with which Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola delivered his acceptance speech, we must urgently and firmly reject the premise and process behind this appointment,” the statement read. “The move lacks due process, transparency, and the broad-based legitimacy expected in a democratic political party.”
The group further expressed concern over attempts to hijack the party, warning that reform must not come at the expense of internal democracy.
“We are not opposed to coalitions. We are not opposed to reform. But we are opposed to hijack, to imposition, and to speeches that sound revolutionary but hide elitist intentions beneath poetic language,” the stakeholders added.
The development follows reports that prominent opposition figures — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and others — are backing the ADC as a possible coalition vehicle to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Under the reported arrangement, former Senate President David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola have been named as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively, of the ADC-led opposition platform. However, Tuesday’s rejection signals internal rifts that could complicate the coalition’s formation.
Party insiders say further consultations are underway to address grievances and preserve unity ahead of any formal coalition launch.
