By John Dike Osogbo
TOsun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defended the legacy of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of using propaganda to discredit his eight-year administration.
The party maintained that attempts to portray Aregbesola’s tenure negatively would not erase what it described as his contributions to education, infrastructure, healthcare, youth empowerment and social welfare in Osun State.
The ADC was reacting to a statement attributed to the APC-PCC, which reportedly accused the party, led nationally by Senator David Mark, of failing to pay its staff for more than a year and urged Nigerians to reject its candidates.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Abosede Oluwaseun, the Osun ADC accused the ruling party of exploiting workers’ welfare concerns to attack the opposition while failing to adequately address the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
The party, however, acknowledged that salary modulation and outstanding pension obligations under Aregbesola’s administration remained significant issues in the state’s political history.
It argued that a fair assessment of the former governor’s eight-year tenure should extend beyond the controversies surrounding workers’ salaries and pensions to include the policies, infrastructure and social programmes implemented during his administration.
The statement said the APC-PCC was attempting to reduce Aregbesola’s record to a single issue while overlooking other aspects of his governance.
The ADC said, “Yes, the issues of modulated salaries and outstanding pension obligations during Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration remain part of Osun State’s political history. These issues have been discussed publicly and should not be denied or trivialised.
“However, Dele Alake and the APC, in their usual intellectually dishonest attempt to discredit the ADC, seek to reduce Ogbeni’s eight years of governance to a single issue while ignoring the broader policy choices, infrastructure, educational reforms and other initiatives associated with that administration.”
Highlighting what it described as the achievements of the former administration, the party cited the construction of 170 model schools across the state, comprising 100 elementary schools, 50 middle schools and 20 high schools.
It also listed the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O-YES), which provided opportunities for young people, as one of the initiatives introduced during Aregbesola’s tenure.
According to the party, the administration constructed more than 300 kilometres of township roads and 222 kilometres of rural roads as part of efforts to improve transportation and connectivity across the state.
The ADC further cited the rehabilitation of hospitals, establishment of the Osun Ambulance Service, creation of the Omoluabi Garment Factory and implementation of environmental sanitation initiatives as evidence of the former governor’s development agenda.
It added that welfare programmes targeting older citizens and widows also formed part of the administration’s social intervention efforts.
On education, the party said the Aregbesola administration reduced fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, supported medical students with clinical training abroad and provided bursary assistance to students.
It contrasted the bursary support with student loan arrangements, arguing that the former administration adopted measures intended to ease the financial burden on students and their families.
The ADC maintained that these initiatives should be considered alongside the controversies over salary payments when evaluating Aregbesola’s performance in office.
Beyond defending Aregbesola’s record, the party challenged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to account for its handling of the Nigerian economy.
It pointed to rising food and transportation costs, pressure on businesses and concerns over employment opportunities for young Nigerians as issues requiring urgent attention from the Federal Government.
The party argued that political campaigns should focus on the welfare of citizens rather than accusations and counter-accusations between political parties.
“The real question before Nigerians is whether the current administration has delivered the relief, security, economic opportunities and improved living standards that citizens expect from their government,” the statement said.
The Osun ADC called on Nigerians to assess the APC’s performance and demand greater accountability from those in positions of authority.
It also urged voters to consider alternative political leadership, insisting that governance should be measured by its impact on the living conditions of citizens.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to democratic participation, public welfare and accountable governance, presenting itself as an alternative to the ruling party.
The exchange highlights the growing political contest over the legacy of Aregbesola’s administration and the performance of the APC-led Federal Government as political parties seek to strengthen their positions ahead of future elections.
