ADC Declares Rescue Mission for Nigeria, Slams APC and INEC
Former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, serving as the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has proclaimed that the party is on a determined mission to liberate Nigeria from the stranglehold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a powerful address delivered at the ADC's 8th National Convention in Abuja on April 14, 2026, Aregbesola asserted that the ADC's existence stems from the aspirations of Nigerians weary of deceit and mismanagement, not from any individual or group, including an electoral body he accused of partisan behavior.
State of the Nation: A Country in Crisis
Aregbesola painted a grim picture of Nigeria under the APC administration, highlighting severe economic, security, and social challenges. He criticized the government's economic policies, noting that the exchange rate has plummeted from about N700 to the dollar in 2023 to approximately N1,400, representing a 100 percent devaluation. In an import-dependent economy, this has led to skyrocketing costs, with fuel prices rising from N185-238 per litre to about N1,400, making transportation unaffordable for many workers.
On power supply, he pointed out that despite promises to solve the electricity crisis, many areas now receive only two hours of power daily or endure weeks of darkness. Aregbesola questioned the government's "Renewed Hope" slogan, labeling it a scam as poverty and out-of-school children numbers have worsened, with 20 million children now out of school and 130 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty.
Security Failures and Lack of Empathy
The former minister condemned the administration's handling of security, citing the spread of banditry and terrorism across the nation. He highlighted a perceived empathy deficit, referencing incidents like the 2025 Yelwata massacres in Benue State and the 2026 Angwan Rukuba killings in Jos, where the President allegedly failed to visit affected communities, instead meeting victims in secure locations. Aregbesola argued that this lack of leadership has plunged the country into dire straits, necessitating the ADC's intervention.
The Rise and Legal Basis of the New ADC
Aregbesola detailed the ADC's transformation into Nigeria's main opposition party within nine months of its unveiling on July 2, 2025. He outlined a series of legal and democratic processes, including National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings in March and May 2025, where waivers were granted and a Caretaker Committee was established to manage party affairs. This committee, led by figures like Senator David Mark and Aregbesola himself, was ratified by the NEC and recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
However, Aregbesola accused INEC of dereliction of duty for refusing to monitor the ADC's convention, despite receiving proper notice as required by the Electoral Act 2026. He argued that INEC's actions are partisan and aimed at delegitimizing the ADC to benefit the APC in the 2027 elections. He called on the international community to scrutinize these anti-democratic moves, asserting that the ADC, as the largest grassroots opposition party, is poised to challenge the APC effectively.
Elections, Persecution, and a Call to Action
The ADC has participated in recent elections, such as the Anambra State Gubernatorial Elections and Federal Capital Territory Local Government elections, though without victory due to factors like incumbency power and funding issues. Aregbesola emphasized that the party has learned from these experiences and is preparing for upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
He decried the persecution of opposition members in Nigeria, contrasting current leaders with the principled opposition legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Aregbesola urged all conscientious citizens to join the ADC, warning that fence-sitters in this critical time are collaborators with those destroying the country. He concluded with a bold declaration that the ADC will stand up for principles and work tirelessly to rescue Nigeria from its current plight.
