ADC ready to take over Osun in 2026, says Aregbesola

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday declared that the party is fully prepared to take over governance in Osun State in the forthcoming 2026 governorship election.

Aregbesola, who addressed a crowd in Yoruba during a welcome rally held at his former campaign office in Osogbo, urged members and supporters of the party to remain resolute, focused, and committed to grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next poll.

The former governor, who recounted the events that led to his exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he did not voluntarily leave the party but was unjustly pushed out. “The week we created the Omoluabi group, we were taken to court over the use of the party name—a party I helped build with my sweat. Eventually, we were expelled. I never left the APC; the party left me,” he said.

He added that his new position in the ADC was a result of recognition by those who valued his contributions, dismissing critics who questioned his political relevance.

Aregbesola also referenced several developmental projects initiated during his tenure as governor, saying: “We can boldly show what we did while in government—be it school buildings, roads we constructed, or the meals we provided for school children.”

He urged supporters not to be distracted by the internal crisis in other political parties and to concentrate on building the ADC.

“Go back to your wards and work for the party. Leave them to continue their meaningless drama—it’s none of our business. What matters to us is that this party takes over the whole of Osun,” he said.

“Before the election, they must know they are no longer relevant. The people want us. God stands with us in Osun State. There’s no other party doing what ADC is doing.”