ADC stakeholders reject Aregbesola’s emergence as interim scribe

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Some stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have rejected the appointment of former Osun State governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s Interim National Secretary.

In a statement on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, described the appointment as lacking due process, transparency, and legitimacy, saying it did not follow the party’s constitutional procedures.

Matara stated that no organ of the party, including the National Executive Committee (NEC), was consulted or approved Aregbesola’s appointment, insisting it was an attempt to hijack the party.

“ADC is not a private coalition platform to be hijacked by any elite group or individuals, regardless of how eloquent their speeches may sound. Our structures, leadership organs, and constitutional guidelines were completely ignored,” he said.

He queried, “Who appointed Gov. Aregbesola? Which organ ratified this? Was the NEC involved? Were state chairmen, youth leaders, or national officers consulted?”

The party further dismissed claims that the ADC has become the platform for the National Opposition Coalition Group, describing it as misleading and false.

Matara also warned those joining ADC under what he called a ‘chaotic coalition arrangement’ to tread carefully, reminding them that the party is still grappling with unresolved legal crises from the 2023 elections.

“We support reforms and coalitions but reject hijack, imposition, and poetic speeches masking elitist intentions. We call on all genuine stakeholders to resist this attempted takeover and defend the ADC’s democratic values,” Matara concluded.