South-West ADC Backs Aregbesola, Dismisses Removal Petition as Baseless

The South-West leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared its support for the party's National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, dismissing a petition seeking his removal as "false, baseless and misleading." The zonal leadership insisted that the allegations against the former Osun State governor were unfounded and aimed at destabilising the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a communiqué issued after a meeting of recognised national and zonal officers, the National Vice Chairman (South-West), Akinbowale Omole, said those behind the petition were disgruntled elements loyal to former minister Kachikwu Ibe and federal lawmaker Leke Abejide, both of whom had previously challenged the party's leadership in court. He maintained that the petitioners neither represent the recognised leadership of the ADC in the South-West nor have the authority to speak for the zone.

The zonal leadership also rejected claims that Aregbesola manipulated the party's primary elections or established parallel structures within the ADC. It explained that the approval of candidates for the 2027 elections was the responsibility of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC), not the National Secretary, who merely implements decisions taken by the party's highest organs.

According to the communiqué, the individuals demanding Aregbesola's removal were the same people who ignored reconciliation efforts and breached the party's constitution during congresses and primary elections before turning around to accuse the National Secretary of similar misconduct. The leadership described their latest action as a reflection of frustration after failing to destabilise the party from within.

The South-West ADC reaffirmed that Akinbowale Omole remains the recognised leader of the party in the zone and warned individuals impersonating party officials to desist. It added that the party would continue to support the national leadership under Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.