By Peter Omopo
Lagos | July 5, 2025 — Former Minister of Interior and Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has advised members of the opposition party to remain civil and focus on facts rather than confrontations as they prepare to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Aregbesola gave the advice on Friday upon his return to Lagos from Abuja, where the ADC was formally unveiled as a coalition platform for major opposition figures. He was welcomed at the airport by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters.
In a statement shared via his official social media accounts, Aregbesola thanked party faithful for their support and warm reception, while cautioning them against resorting to insults or personal attacks on APC members or supporters.
“The task before us is immense,” he stated. “We must remain focused. I reminded everyone that we do not need to fight, insult, or attack anyone. When APC supporters challenge us, we must respond with facts — facts about the state of our country and why a change is necessary.”
Aregbesola, who previously served under President Bola Tinubu as Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, emphasized that the ADC’s mission is rooted in policy-driven discourse, not political animosity.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions following the unveiling of the ADC as the opposition’s coalition platform, attracting key political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The coalition seeks to present a united front to challenge the APC’s dominance and offer what it describes as a credible alternative to the Tinubu administration.