Former Osun State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government of prioritising political manoeuvring over delivering good governance.
Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of ADC officials and party structures in Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency, Aregbesola told thousands of party supporters that Nigerians are being subjected to worsening poverty, hunger, and insecurity under the current administration.
“This government has scored A1 in politics and F9 in good governance,” he declared. “That is what our party, the ADC, is determined to correct.”
Aregbesola, who is spearheading the ADC’s restructuring efforts in Osun State ahead of the 2026 elections, criticised the federal government’s handling of critical sectors such as security, economy, and education.
He highlighted the poor state of Nigeria’s federal roads, noting that over 76 per cent of the country’s 37,000 kilometres of roads are currently unmotorable. Despite this, he argued, the federal government is prioritising the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which, in his view, will not significantly boost the nation’s economy.
“The present government at the centre has failed in security, the economy and education, the major yardsticks for measuring performance,” he said.
The former governor also expressed concern about rising insecurity and the growing poverty levels, stating that millions of Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs while the government continues to focus on political campaigns and projects with limited impact.
Aregbesola contrasted the APC’s record with his administration’s achievements in Osun State between 2010 and 2018. He cited the school feeding programme, which benefited over 50,000 children, and youth empowerment schemes that reached more than 60,000 young people.
He also pointed to pro-poor policies that, according to him, reduced hunger in the state “to the barest minimum.” These initiatives, Aregbesola said, demonstrate what he calls “responsible leadership and good governance,” which he vowed to replicate on a national scale through the ADC.
“Our party is committed to restoring responsible leadership and delivering good governance for all Nigerians. The ADC is the friend of the masses,” he stated.
The inauguration in Ila-Orangun marks the beginning of a statewide tour to set up ADC structures across Osun’s nine federal constituencies. Aregbesola stressed that the party would take its message to every ward, village, and city in the state, urging residents to vote for the ADC in upcoming local and national elections.
“We will continue to preach the gospel of the ADC across all divides,” he said, highlighting the party’s commitment to inclusivity and grassroots engagement.
The ADC, founded in 2005, has been seeking to expand its influence nationally, often highlighting issues of governance, transparency, and pro-poor policies. In recent months, the party has intensified its activities in key states, including Osun, Lagos, and Kaduna, aiming to challenge the dominance of the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Aregbesola’s focus on governance issues aligns with the ADC’s messaging, which positions the party as a champion of social welfare and accountability. By contrasting his record in Osun with the perceived failures of the federal government, the former governor seeks to create a compelling narrative for voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
The inauguration ceremony drew thousands of party supporters, reflecting Aregbesola’s enduring popularity in Osun State. Residents who attended the event expressed optimism about the ADC’s promises, particularly in areas of youth empowerment, education, and security.
As the ADC continues to expand its presence in Osun State, Aregbesola emphasized the importance of unity within the party and commitment to its ideals. He assured supporters that the ADC would not only campaign for votes but also work to implement policies that prioritize the welfare of Nigerians if given the opportunity to govern.
“Our mission is clear: to correct the failures of the present government and ensure that Nigerians experience leadership that delivers results,” he said.
