South-West ADC Leaders Demand Removal of Interim National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the South-West have called for the immediate removal of Rauf Aregbesola, who serves as the party’s Interim National Secretary.
The demand follows an emergency meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where party chieftains resolved that Aregbesola’s actions have plunged the ADC into avoidable crises ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A petition signed by officials including Ogun State ADC Secretary Olusoji Adebiyi, Osun State Acting Chairman Abideen Okanlawon, Osun State Youth Leader Adesola Akitunde, Oyo State factional ADC Chairman Yinka Olona, Oyo State ADC member Adebimpe Adelowo, and Ekiti State ADC Chairman Ilesanmi Olaiya was forwarded to the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, the party’s 2027 presidential and vice‑presidential candidates, and the National Legal Adviser.
Allegations of Constitutional Violations
The petitioners accuse Aregbesola of establishing a parallel structure across the South‑West under the name “Omoluabi Progressive” and presenting its officers as legitimate ADC executives from ward to state level.
They cite Article 22, Sections 1‑2, 3, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the ADC constitution, alleging offences such as breach of constitution, acts likely to bring the party into disrepute, disobedience to lawful directives, creation of parallel organs, and collusion to convene unauthorised meetings.
Interference in Candidate Selection
The former Osun State governor is also accused of using his influence to manipulate the candidate selection process.
According to the petition, on the final day for uploading National Assembly candidates, Aregbesola allegedly colluded with certain individuals within INEC to remove duly elected ADC candidates who emerged from INEC‑monitored primaries and replace them with members of his Omoluabi Progressive group who had not purchased nomination forms.
Ongoing State‑Level Crises
The leaders blame Aregbesola for the persistent crises in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states, claiming he usurped the duties of the National Organising Secretary by appointing parallel primary election committees and submitting their results to INEC.
The petition urges the party’s leadership to act swiftly to remove Aregbesola and prevent further damage to the ADC’s prospects in the upcoming elections.
