By John Dike, Osogbo
Thousands of loyalists and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency of Osun State on Tuesday thronged Ila-Orangun to welcome the party’s National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the ADC formally kicked off the inauguration of its ward and constituency structures across the state’s nine federal constituencies.
Addressing the crowd, the former governor and ex-minister said the tour aimed at reawakening grassroots consciousness and mobilising members ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun.
He declared that the ADC is committed to restoring good governance and returning Nigeria to a path of people-centered leadership.
Aregbesola said, “We are here to remind our people of the state of the nation and to seek their unwavering support.
“The ADC is the party ready to restore responsible leadership. We stand with the masses. Policies of the present administration have pushed thousands into poverty, hunger, and hardship.”
He expressed concern over rising insecurity, widespread hunger, and what he described as the steady collapse of education, insisting that Nigerians deserve a government that works for their welfare.
According to him, ADC offers the most credible alternative for citizens yearning for a functional and people-focused administration.
Assessing the performance of the ruling party at the national level, the All Progressives Congress, APC, he said, “This government has scored A1 in politics and F9 in good governance,”
“There are 37,000 kilometres of federal roads in Nigeria, and more than 76% are not motorable. Instead of fixing them, government is prioritising a coastal highway that has little direct impact on the economy.”
Highlighting his achievements in Osun between 2010 and 2018, Aregbesola recalled that his administration implemented policies that directly benefited the poor, including the feeding of over 50,000 schoolchildren and the empowerment of more than 60,000 youths.
“This is the kind of governance we want to return in 2026. Preach the message of the ADC across communities. Our party is ready to bring government closer to the grassroots,” he added.
In separate remarks, the Osun ADC Chairman Dr. Charles Omidiji, Omoluabi Progressives Chairman Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, Senator Felix Ogunwale, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Dr. Najeem Salaam, and other leaders urged members to work diligently for the party’s victory in upcoming elections, emphasizing that the ADC is fielding credible individuals committed to good governance.
The Chairman of the ADC Membership Registration, Revalidation and Mobilisation Committee in Osun, Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, encouraged all members to actively participate in the party’s registration and revalidation exercise commencing Wednesday.
Receiving the delegation in his palace, the Orangun of Ila, Oba AbdulWahab Kayode Bibire, praised Aregbesola’s record, describing his achievements as “unmatched in the history of Osun State.”
Speaking through Chief Douglas Adeyinka, the Obaloti of Ila-Orangun, the monarch pledged the full support of Ila-Orangun for the ADC.
“We are fully behind the ADC. We trust your capacity to deliver good governance, and we will work tirelessly to ensure your goals are realized,” the monarch assured.
Dignitaries at the event included former FERMA Chairman Engr. Jide Adeniji, Senator Sadiq Yar’Adua, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, and Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile, among others.
The ADC’s federal constituency tour continues on Thursday, November 20, with a visit to Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituenc
