From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
He lamented that the current administration has brought untold hardship, hunger, and insecurity upon citizens.
Aregbesola, who spoke in Ilorin on Saturday during the commissioning of the new Kwara State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said Nigerians are struggling under a government that has failed to protect their welfare.
“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.
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He criticised the government’s priorities, accusing it of neglecting major roads such as Ilorin–Ibadan, Ilorin–Lokoja, and Ilorin–Offa, while focusing on less critical infrastructure.
According to him, such neglect reflects a disconnect between the ruling elite and the people’s daily struggles.
Aregbesola urged members of the ADC to take the message of hope and inclusiveness to the grassroots. “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 charged.
Also speaking at the event, former Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Ahmed, described the occasion as a new political beginning for the state. “This party has come to define how inclusiveness can be achieved using the power of everyone — men and women alike,” he said.
ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party was determined to provide Nigerians with an alternative platform built on transparency and people-oriented leadership. “ADC is now a people’s party with members across the country. We are not enough yet, but we will keep increasing because God is in control,” he said.
The event also witnessed the defection of Babatunde Muhammad, a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Kwara State, who joined the ADC with thousands of his supporters — a move party leaders said would strengthen the ADC’s base in the state.
Hon. Danladi from Offa Local Government, commended the courage of Aregbesola and other leaders for standing with the people. “Our roads are bad, there is lack of water and insecurity everywhere. It is as if there’s no governance. But ADC is a party where there’s no intimidation and where everyone has a voice,” he added.
Party leaders expressed optimism that the growing membership would position the ADC as a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking genuine change in 2027.
