ADC stakeholders reject Aregbesola as interim National Secretary

A group under the banner of Concerned Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly rejected the recent appointment of former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s interim national secretary, describing the development as illegitimate and undemocratic.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Dr. Musa Isa Matara, who identified as the National Publicity Secretary of the “ADC (Original),” the group said the process that led to Aregbesola’s emergence lacked constitutional backing, due process, transparency, and the inclusive engagement expected within a democratic political structure.

The group, which includes state and ward executives, youth and women leaders, and other grassroots coordinators nationwide, argued that no individual or faction has the legal or moral right to speak for the party nationally unless such changes are ratified by a constitutionally recognized National Convention or National Executive Council (NEC).

“Until a legitimate, constitutionally-backed National Convention or NEC of the ADC confirms any leadership changes, we categorically reject any unilateral appointment claiming national authority,” the statement declared.

While the group clarified it is not opposed to political coalitions or reform within the party, it condemned what it described as attempts to hijack the ADC platform through imposition and rhetorical posturing.

“While we appreciate the enthusiasm with which Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has delivered his acceptance speech as Interim National Secretary of the ADC, we must urgently and firmly reject the premise and process behind this appointment — an appointment that lacks due process, transparency, and the broad-based legitimacy expected in a democratic political party,” the statement read.

The stakeholders accused unnamed elite groups of trying to use eloquence and ideological language to conceal a deeper agenda of control and exclusion, warning that the ADC must not become a “private coalition platform hijacked by any elite group or individuals.”

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“We stand firmly on the side of accountable leadership, transparent decision-making, and a people-powered party structure,” they added. “Any process that excludes the very people it claims to serve is undemocratic and must be challenged.”

The rejection comes amid mounting internal tensions following the adoption of the ADC platform by a coalition of political heavyweights, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir el-Rufai, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development raises fresh questions about the internal unity and legal standing of leadership within the ADC as it becomes the focal point of a growing opposition alliance seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).