Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has officially assumed office as the interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pledging to transform the party into a values-driven, people-focused political movement.

Speaking during his acceptance speech on Tuesday, July 1, Aregbesola described his appointment by the National Opposition Coalition Group as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s fractured opposition.

 “This party will stand for something. It will not be a mere vehicle for opportunism or personal ambition, but a living institution, built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people,” he said.

Aregbesola criticized Nigeria’s current political atmosphere, accusing existing parties of lacking ideological direction and being driven solely by personalities and power contests.

 “Our political landscape is plagued by parties that are nothing but empty shells. They merge and split not over ideas or policies, but personalities and power,” he noted.

He pledged to rebuild the ADC into a party of internal democracy, inclusion, and service delivery, one that gives real voice to youth, women, workers, and professionals beyond election seasons.

Drawing from international party models, including South Africa’s ANC and parties in Sweden and Chile, Aregbesola vowed to adapt global best practices to fit Nigeria’s unique political environment.

He ended with a rallying call for collective accountability and citizen-centered governance.

 “Politics must return to its rightful place as a service to the people. Long live our party. Long live our democracy. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Aregbesola’s return to party leadership comes amid a wave of realignments in Nigeria’s opposition, including the recent resignation of ex-Senate President David Mark from the PDP to join the same coalition-backed movement.