- Safiu Kehinde
The shape of the new opposition in Nigeria is getting clearer as former Military Governor and one time Minister of Communications, General David Mark,.and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, have been elected as interim National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.
The newly adopted party African Democratic Congress (ADC) will be the platform of the coalition of opposition elements who have left different political parties to form a new alliance.
Also appointed as the National Publicity Secretary of the party is Bolaji Abdulahi, a former Minister of Sports and one time national spokesperson of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Following his appointment as the National Secretary, Aregbesola in his acceptance speech expressed his gratitude to the leadership and members of the party for their trust in him.
The former Osun governor maintained that political party is built on values, ideologies and accountability rather than being a platform for opportunism and tool for personal ambition.
Reflecting on the 113 years history of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) party, Aregbesola harped on the need to build a party on resistance and vision with believe in justice, dignity, equality and inclusivity.
These traits, he claimed, are absent in most political parties in Nigeria.
As the ADC National Secretary, Aregbesola pledged to build a party that has clear ideological compass.
He also highlighted the ideologies the party will adopt which included internal democracy, transparent intra-party competition, effective party structure, and recognition of all interest groups amongst others.
The ADC, according to him, will model practices of party organisation in countries like South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya.
Aregbesola’s speech partly read; “It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party and that I accept the appointment as The National Secretary of our great party.
“I thank the leadership for the trust reposed in me. But more than that, I thank every committed member of this party are those who still believe that politics can be a force for good, people who believe that party forms government and must control it.
“Those who believe in the supremacy of the party in a democracy and all products of democratic contests.
“Those who recognise that parties must stand for and with the people in the promotion of their interests and aspirations. That parties therefore are not merely machines for winning elections but institutions for mobilizing, organizing, energizing, educating, empowering and encouraging the people towards their emancipation and development.
“Let me begin by saying this: 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.
“Throughout Africa’s history, and particularly in the legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa; a 113 year- behemoth of party organization that is impeccable in its credibility as a model of supremacy of party over its creation (government and popularly elected officials) have seen what a party grounded in ideology, principle, and people-centered struggle can achieve.
“The ANC is not perfect but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.
“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. They are empty shells merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.
“That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve.
“As The National Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass, a party that is absolutely committed to the people, rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and national development. A party that listens and works for to the people, not only during elections, but every single day.
“We must become an institution where: Internal democracy is not just preached but practiced; Intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just; All party structures from the ward to the national level and function effectively and efficiently; Young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion; All special and critical interests(security, educators, farmers, workers, women, youth, professionals, people with special needs, etc., must be recognised and allowed to have autonomous structures within the party.
“We will model international best practices in party organization, administration, and ethics.
“We will study what works from South Africa to Sweden, from Chile to Kenya, and adapt what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.”
Why Aregbesola Will be the Focus of New Party Platform
Analysts believe that Aregbesola will be the centre of focus of the new political development. The former Interior Minister was incumbent President Bola Tinubu’s most trusted confidant since the later emerged the governor of Lagos state in 1999 at the return to democratic rule.
Aregbesola was believed to be Tinubu’s closes political aide and ally with Tinubu handling over most critical assignments to him with assurances to deliver.
However, the relationship got soured shortly after Aregbesola left Osun as the Governor handing over to Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, who was Aregbesola’s Chief of Staff for 8 years.
It was believed that Oyetola, not long after taking over power allegedly turned against his former boss, reversing many of the flagship programmes of the administration in which he (Oyetola) played very sensitive roles.
It was also said that Oyetola had alleged that Aregbesola never wanted him to be his successor.
NPO Reports that Oyetola is believed to be Tinubu’s half brother.
The disagreements between Oyetola and Aregbesola had cost the governor his re-election in 2022 with accusations still pointing to Aregbesola as the cause of the electoral misfortunes.
It was gathered that all efforts to resolve the crisis between Aregbesola and Oyetola on one side and Aregbesola and Tinubu on the other had failed.
A former Minister of Communication, Bayo Shitu had said in a recent interview that Aregbesola did not leave the All Progressive Congress out of his volition but that he was forced to leave.