South-West ADC Leadership Rallies Behind Aregbesola, Blasts Call for Sacking as Unfounded

The South-West leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly backed the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, dismissing allegations against him as false and clarifying that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) fully approved all candidate lists for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The zonal leadership, headed by National Vice Chairman (South-West) Akinbowale Omole, issued the clarification following a regional meeting of recognized party officers. In a formal communiqué, Omole characterized those demanding Aregbesola’s removal as unauthorized, disgruntled elements within the party structure.

The statement formally rejected a petition addressed to ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, which had urged Aregbesola’s removal over claims that he established parallel structures and manipulated primary election outcomes.

Omole emphasized that the petitioners misunderstood the constitutional role of the National Secretary, who functions as the chief administrative officer executing decisions made by higher party organs. He clarified that the composition of primary committees and the submission of candidate names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were decisions directly ratified by the NEC, rather than Aregbesola acting alone.

The zonal leadership also noted that the individuals behind the petition had previously dragged the party to court and rejected internal reconciliation attempts. The party warned those claiming to speak for the South-West zone to stop impersonating official leadership, reaffirming that the recognized zonal structure remains firmly under Omole’s direction.

This dispute reflects ongoing internal friction within the ADC following recent congresses and primary elections, as the party’s national leadership seeks to solidify unity ahead of the 2027 polls.