Aregbesola to APC: Stop harassing opposition if you’re truly popular
Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of harassing opposition members across the country, saying the party’s actions prove it is not as popular as it claims.
Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the commissioning of the ADC’s state secretariat, Aregbesola challenged the APC to stop intimidating its rivals if it truly believes in its strength and popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the ruling party’s desperation to silence opposition voices across states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Kaduna shows fear, not confidence.
“If the APC is sure of its strength, there would be no need to go after the opposition,” Aregbesola said. “But because they know people are tired of their leadership, they resort to harassment and intimidation. Nigerians are watching.”
Read also: APC’s Yilwatda hints at fresh ADC defections, says more politicians joining
Aregbesola, who once served as Minister of Interior under the APC-led federal government, declared that he no longer believes the ruling party enjoys the people’s support. He confidently predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC would lose the 2027 general elections due to what he described as “widespread public dissatisfaction” with their governance.
“The APC knows it is not popular,” he asserted. “If they were sure of their strength, they wouldn’t be desperate to crush the opposition. But because they are losing public trust, they are now using intimidation. By the grace of God, the ADC will take over leadership in Nigeria and in many states.”
He also dismissed the recent wave of defections of some governors and prominent politicians to the APC, describing them as “meaningless political moves by enemies of the people.” According to him, such defections have nothing to do with the interest of Nigerians but everything to do with personal ambition and self-preservation.
“The governors joining the APC are not doing so for the love of the people,” Aregbesola said. “They are doing it for selfish reasons. Nigerians already know who they are, and they are not welcome. These politicians are only looking for protection, not service.”
Read also: Defections: Diri, others running from mess they created — Dickson
Aregbesola’s remarks come as political tension continues to rise ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition leaders repeatedly accusing the ruling party of using government power to suppress rival voices. His comments reflect growing discontent within the political class and renewed calls for fair play in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s democracy, promising that the ADC would present a genuine alternative to the APC’s style of leadership. “We are building a movement for real change,” he said. “The ADC will not be a party of empty promises but one that truly serves the people and restores their hope in governance.”
Aregbesola concluded by calling on ADC supporters to remain united and courageous as the nation moves closer to 2027, assuring them that a new political direction for Nigeria is both possible and near.
