Isiyaku Ahmed
In a stirring and reflective inaugural speech, the newly appointed National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has pledged to lead a transformative effort to restore ideological clarity, promote internal democracy, and reposition the party as a true vehicle for the people’s aspirations.
ADC is the party platform adopted by the National Opposition Coalition Group.
Speaking with a tone of humility and urgency in his acceptance speech on Tuesday, Aregbesola began by expressing deep gratitude for the trust placed in him by the party leadership and for the dedication of every loyal party member who continues to believe in politics as a force for public good.
“A political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition.
A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution, built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve,” he declared.
The Secretary decried the current state of party politics in Nigeria, lamenting the widespread absence of ideology, internal accountability, and people-centered values.
He contrasted this with the example of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), a party he described as “forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, and true freedom.”
“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties.
“Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth, empty shells that merge and split, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality,” he said.
The ADC National Secretary promised a different path under his leadership, one anchored in principles, service, and transformation.
He outlined a bold vision to rebuild the party as a strong ideological institution committed to democratic values, the rule of law, social justice, transparency, and national development.
The newly appointed National Secretary pledged to ensure that the party functions year-round, not just during election cycles, and that it becomes a trusted platform for all Nigerians, especially marginalized groups.
“We must become an institution where internal democracy is not just preached but practiced, where young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion,” he said.
Among the priorities he listed were to ensure fair and transparent intra-party competition, strengthen all party structures from the ward to the national level, recognize and empower special interest groups within the party, and adopt international best practices in party administration and ethics.
He emphasized the need for discipline, service, and clarity of purpose, vowing that the party would not just talk about national issues like education, security, and job creation but actively pursue and deliver real results.
“We must be the party that talks about public education and builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them.”
While acknowledging the enormous task ahead, he called for collective commitment, sacrifice, and action.
He urged party members and citizens alike to hold him accountable, to challenge him when necessary, and to walk with him on the journey to rebuild and restore the soul of the party.
He concluded with a patriotic charge:
“Long live our party. Long live our democracy. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The speech marks the beginning of what could be a new chapter for the party, one that promises to place people above politics and principle above power.
