Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, has dismissed speculations linking him with a possible return to the All Progressives Congress, insisting he has no reason to rejoin the ruling party.
Aregbesola stated this on Sunday while addressing party members and stakeholders during a meeting held in Ilesa, Osun State.
The former Minister of Interior accused the APC-led Federal Government of worsening the economic condition of Nigerians, alleging that the party had drifted away from the principles on which it was founded.
He urged supporters of the ADC to remain committed to the party, describing it as a credible alternative capable of addressing the nation’s growing socio-economic challenges.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Aregbesola further alleged that those currently managing affairs at the national level had failed in their responsibility to guarantee the welfare and security of Nigerians.
“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,” he added.
The ADC chieftain also rallied support for the party’s governorship candidate in Osun State, Dr Najeem Salaam, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
According to him, Salaam possesses the leadership qualities needed to reposition the state and restore development.
“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,” Aregbesola stated.
In his remarks, Salaam called on party members to remain united and vigilant, promising that his administration would focus on job creation, poverty reduction, affordable housing and improved governance if elected.
Earlier, the Osun ADC Chairman-elect, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, said the party remained united despite political pressures ahead of the governorship poll.
He expressed confidence that the ADC would emerge victorious in the election, adding that the party would commence statewide campaigns within one week.
Adesiji disclosed that the campaign would cover all local government areas and feature rallies across the nine federal constituencies, culminating in mega rallies in Ile-Ife and Osogbo.
He also commended Aregbesola for what he described as his political leadership and continued support for the party’s growth in the state.
