The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, has debunked insinuations that he is planning to return to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Aregbesola, who maintained that he has no reason to return to his former party, made this disclosure while addressing party faithful at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilesa on Sunday.
The former two-term governor of Osun State also noted that it is clear that the ruling party at the federal level has worsened the living conditions of Nigerians, subjecting many citizens to serious hardship and economic quagmire.
He urged citizens and residents of the state to continue supporting the party, as it is the only platform that offers a credible alternative.
In his words, “I want to appreciate you all. Despite the attacks, oppression, and intimidation by those who think they can continue to intimidate us, you have remained resolute, firm, and solidly behind our cause. We cannot express how grateful we are to you.
“Let me tell you, I am not planning a return to the APC. Such information is just a figment of their imagination. I have no reason to join the party again. The truth is that the current handlers have derailed from the vision and mission statement on which we built the party.
“Those in charge of our affairs at the national level have failed to uphold the basic principles of government – the welfare and security of the people. So, we do not have any reason to rejoin them. We are ADC, and despite their attacks, we continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Do not relax or waver; victory is ours by God’s grace.
“Our candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam Iwaloye, is a man of the people. He is loyal, committed, and deeply desires to return our state to the pedestal of development at which we left it in 2018. We urge everyone to support us. We will not let you down.”
Also in his remarks, the governorship candidate of the ADC, Dr. Najeem Salaam, urged party members to remain vigilant.
Salaam, who stressed the need for unity, reemphasised that his administration, if elected, will create jobs, tackle poverty, address inequality, provide affordable housing, and address all governance failures the people of the state have experienced in the last seven and a half years.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Osun ADC Chairman-elect, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, said the party remained fully constituted and united at both the state and federal levels despite political challenges confronting it ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adesiji, while congratulating the newly elected ward, local government, and state executives of the party, described their new positions as a privilege and a call to service.
Speaking on the forthcoming governorship election, the ADC leader expressed confidence that the party’s candidate, Salaam, would emerge victorious at the poll through hard work, unity, and divine support.
“You are all aware we have a governorship election in about three months from now. It’s a must-win for us. Let’s all work hard by mobilising to win. We have God behind us. We have the pedigree. We have done it before. God will make it happen again. Dr. Najeem Salaam will be elected on August 15 by the grace of God,” he stated.
The ADC stalwart disclosed that the party would commence its statewide campaign within one week, revealing that the exercise would cover all local government areas, include rallies across the nine federal constituencies, and culminate in two mega rallies scheduled for Ile-Ife and Osogbo.
“I seize this opportunity to thank our leader, Ogbeni, for his political sagacity, with which he has carried us this far. I pray God’s protection and guidance for him to take us farther, especially in our bid to win the August 15 election,” he said.
The party chieftain also thanked members of the party’s apex leadership and other loyal members of the ADC for their patience, support, and cooperation.
ADC stakeholders also reiterated their commitment to the success of the party in the forthcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
