Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has dismissed reports linking him with a possible return to the All Progressives Congress, APC, insisting that he remains loyal to the African Democratic Congress, ADC. The clarification came as Aregbesola restates commitment to the opposition party amid growing political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rauf Aregbesola was among the founding figures of the APC and served as Governor of Osun State before joining former President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet as Minister of Interior.
Political disagreements within the APC in Osun State later led to divisions between Aregbesola and sections of the party leadership. The tensions contributed to the emergence of alternative political alignments involving the former governor and his loyalists.
Recent reports suggesting that Aregbesola could return to the APC triggered renewed political discussions within the South-West political landscape. However, the latest statement where Aregbesola restates commitment to the ADC appears to have clarified his current political position.
According to reports, Aregbesola denied claims that he was negotiating a return to the APC, describing such reports as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement released by his media aides, the former minister maintained that his political focus remains on strengthening the ADC ahead of future elections. The statement noted that Aregbesola restates commitment to building the ADC into a stronger political platform capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic process.
His camp further stated that there were no ongoing talks or arrangements concerning his return to the ruling party. The development comes amid broader coalition discussions and political consultations involving opposition figures preparing for the 2027 elections.
Political observers say the decision by Aregbesola to publicly reaffirm his position could influence political alignments within Osun State and the wider South-West region, where he continues to command political influence.
As political activities intensify ahead of the next election cycle, the declaration in which Aregbesola restates commitment to the ADC is expected to remain relevant in conversations surrounding opposition mobilisation and coalition politics.
The development reflects ongoing political realignments and strategic positioning among parties and political actors ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts note that Aregbesola’s continued involvement with the ADC could shape opposition calculations in the South-West.
The statement where Aregbesola restates commitment to the ADC also highlights attempts by smaller political parties to consolidate support and strengthen their national relevance ahead of future electoral contests.
