The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday dismissed speculations of a possible return to the All Progressives Congress, declaring that he has “no reason” to rejoin the ruling party.
Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress held in Ilesa, where he also criticised the APC-led Federal Government over worsening economic conditions.
He said the current leadership of the APC had deviated from the founding ideals of the party, accusing it of failing in its core responsibility to ensure the welfare and security of citizens.
“I am not planning a return to the APC. Such claims are a figment of their imagination. I have no reason to go back,” he said.
The ADC chieftain added that Nigerians were grappling with deepening hardship under the present administration, urging residents of Osun to rally behind his party as a credible alternative.
He commended party members for remaining steadfast despite what he described as intimidation and political pressure, insisting that the ADC was gaining momentum ahead of the state’s governorship poll.
Aregbesola threw his weight behind the party’s candidate, Najeem Salaam, describing him as committed to restoring development in the state.
Also speaking, Salaam called for unity among party faithful, promising to tackle unemployment, poverty and inequality if elected.
He pledged to deliver affordable housing and address governance gaps of the past seven years, stressing that his administration would prioritise people-centred policies.
Earlier, the Osun ADC Chairman-elect, Azeez Adesiji, said the party remained united and fully structured despite political challenges ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adesiji expressed confidence that the ADC would secure victory through mobilisation, cohesion and grassroots support, revealing plans for a statewide campaign to commence within a week.
According to him, the campaign will cover all local government areas, with rallies across the nine federal constituencies and two mega events scheduled for Ile-Ife and Osogbo.
Party stakeholders at the meeting also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the success of the ADC at the forthcoming poll.
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