Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation against opposition parties nationwide, saying such actions reveal the party’s declining popularity.
Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the commissioning of the ADC’s new state secretariat, Aregbesola challenged the APC to stop harassing its rivals if it truly believed in its political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If the APC is confident about its support base, there would be no need to intimidate the opposition,” Aregbesola stated. “Their fear-driven tactics in states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Kaduna show desperation, not confidence. Nigerians are watching.”
Aregbesola, who served as Minister of Interior under the APC-led administration, argued that the ruling party has lost touch with the people. He predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC would be defeated in 2027 due to growing public dissatisfaction.
“The APC knows it is no longer popular,” he said. “They have lost public trust, and their reliance on intimidation only confirms that. By God’s grace, the ADC will emerge as the true voice of the people.”
Reacting to the recent wave of defections of some governors and politicians to the APC, Aregbesola dismissed them as “self-serving moves” with no benefit to ordinary Nigerians.
“Those defecting are not doing so for the people’s sake,” he said. “They are driven by selfish motives and a desire for protection, not service. Nigerians can see through their actions.”
His remarks come amid rising political tension and opposition claims of government-backed suppression ahead of the next election cycle.
Aregbesola urged Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s democratic future, promising that the ADC would offer a genuine alternative to what he described as the APC’s failed leadership.
“We are building a movement for real change,” he said. “The ADC will restore people’s faith in governance and deliver true service to the nation.”
He called on ADC supporters to stay united and resilient as 2027 approaches, expressing confidence that a new political direction for Nigeria is within reach.
