Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South West have formally demanded the immediate removal of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary, accusing him of serious constitutional violations that are undermining the party’s unity and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections. The petition, dated July 28, 2026, was signed by state chairmen and key stakeholders from Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and other South West states, and delivered to the National Chairman, National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), and other top party officials.
The leaders convened an emergency meeting in Ibadan where they unanimously concluded that Aregbesola’s actions have plunged the ADC into avoidable crises. They specifically condemned his creation of a parallel structure called “Omoluabi Progressive,” which they say operates across local government areas and wards in the South West under the guise of legitimate ADC offices. This move, they argue, directly violates Article 22, Section 1 (2, 3, 8, 9, 10, and 11) of the ADC constitution, which prohibits acts that bring the party into disrepute, disobedience to lawful directives, and the establishment of unauthorized organs.
The petitioners allege that Aregbesola used his position to interfere with the party’s candidate selection process. On July 14, 2026—the last day for uploading National Assembly candidates—they claim he colluded with individuals within INEC to remove duly elected ADC candidates who emerged from monitored primaries. In their place, they say, members of his Omoluabi Progressive group were substituted, despite not having purchased nomination forms. This, they assert, is a clear manipulation of the party’s internal democracy and electoral integrity.
They also accuse Aregbesola of usurping the role of the National Organising Secretary by appointing unauthorized primary election committees and submitting them to INEC. These actions, according to the petition, have deepened existing crises in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states, creating confusion and division among party members. The signatories include Olusoji Adebiyi (Ogun State Secretary), Abideen Okanlawon (Osun State Acting Chairman), Adesola Akitunde (Osun State Youth Leader), Yinka Olona (Oyo State Chairman), Adebimpe Adelowo (Oyo State member), and Ilesanmi Olaiya (Ekiti State Chairman).
The petition emphasizes that Aregbesola’s conduct does not reflect the expected character or professionalism of someone holding such a senior position. It calls on the national leadership to review his appointment and replace him with a competent, loyal, and patriotic individual who can lead the party effectively. The South West leaders warn that Aregbesola’s continued presence in office will spell doom for the ADC’s chances in 2027.
They urge the NWC and NEC to act swiftly to restore order and ensure the party remains united and focused on its electoral goals. As Nigeria prepares for another critical election cycle, the internal dynamics within political parties like the ADC will play a decisive role in shaping the political landscape.
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