National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, has commenced a mass membership drive into the new party in Lagos State.
Mr Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, of failing Nigerians.
He, therefore, appealed to the residents and Nigerians to vote out the APC.
In a statement on Tuesday, the former minister urged those present to launch a mass membership drive for the party, promising to provide all necessary incentives to ensure their success.
“I am urging you to go out and spread the gospel of the ADC to all Nigerians, particularly those living in your local government areas.
“Tell them that a new vista of hope and opportunity now awaits them in our party as we promise a new deal that would see to it that our dear country, Nigeria, is reset to the path of development and progress.
“I want you all to sensitise Nigerians on the need to join ADC and use the ADC platform to remove the failed APC government.
“Having said that, I am also urging you, as well as all other categories of Nigerians, to vote and protect their votes by follow-up vigilance,” he said.
But in a swift reaction, the spokesman of the APC in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, described Mr Aregbesola as a betrayer.
Mr Oladejo said: “Let it be known that the APC in Lagos views Aregbesola’s comments as not only disappointing but also a betrayal of trust and values he once professed under our party.
“His utterances reek of political desperation and opportunism, masquerading under the guise of a “new deal” that lacks substance, structure, or credibility.
“It is ironic that a man who enjoyed the goodwill and political platform of the APC for over two decades—from his days as Commissioner in Lagos to becoming Governor of Osun State and later a Federal Minister—can now publicly denounce the same party.
“If APC has failed, then Ogbeni Aregbesola must take responsibility for his role in governance, rather than seeking to rewrite history and distance himself for cheap political relevance.
“No amount of political grandstanding can erase this reality. While individuals are free to pursue their political ambitions, it is expected that they do so with integrity and decorum. Lagos APC is not threatened by theatrics or sudden political conversions.
“The APC in Lagos remains united, focused, and determined to continue delivering dividends of democracy to our people.
“We welcome constructive criticism, but we reject outright falsehoods and political showmanship aimed at misleading the public. “We remain committed to building a greater Lagos and a stronger Nigeria.”
