ADC Faction Rejects Aregbesola’s Appointment as Interim National Secretary, Calls It “Undemocratic Hijack”
A major crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a group of party stakeholders vehemently rejected the recent appointment of former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s Interim National Secretary.
In a strongly-worded statement titled *”ADC Is Not a One-Man Project”*, the dissenting faction—comprising youth leaders, women leaders, state executives, and ward coordinators—accused Aregbesola and his backers of sidelining due process and imposing leadership without consultation.
### **Key Objections Raised**
1. **No Due Process**: The group questioned the legitimacy of Aregbesola’s appointment, demanding to know which ADC organ approved it. They insisted that the National Executive Committee (NEC), state chairmen, and other critical structures were not consulted.
2. False Coalition Claims: The stakeholders disputed Aregbesola’s assertion that ADC has become the “platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group,” warning that such a move was made without grassroots consent.
3. Unresolved Legal Issues: The faction highlighted ongoing legal battles within the ADC since the 2023 elections, cautioning that any coalition built on shaky legal grounds could collapse.
4. Warning to New Members: The statement urged incoming members linked to the “imposed coalition” to be wary, alleging that a few individuals were attempting to “sell the party’s soul for personal gain.”
5. Hypocrisy on Democracy: While Aregbesola’s speech preached internal democracy, the stakeholders accused him of benefiting from an undemocratic process, calling it a “top-down elite takeover.”
6. Youth & Women Exclusion: Despite Aregbesola’s emphasis on youth inclusion, the dissenting group noted that ADC’s youth and women leaders were not consulted before his appointment.
Demands & Next Steps
The aggrieved faction demanded an immediate halt to what they termed a “hijack” of the party, insisting that only a properly constituted National Convention or NEC meeting could validate leadership changes.
They declared: “We are not against coalitions or reforms, but we reject imposition. ADC belongs to its members, not political merchants.”
Reactions & Implications
The rift threatens to deepen divisions within the ADC, which has positioned itself as a key opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections. Political analysts suggest that if unresolved, the crisis could weaken the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.
As of press time, Aregbesola and his camp have yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
