By Khadijah Shehu Abdulkareem
….Aregbesola accept position, slams Nigeria’s ‘Hollow’ Parties
The coalition of opposition parties have decided to use African Democratic Party (ADC), to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2027 general elections.
Former Senate President and chieftain of PDP, who resigned from the party and joined ADC, Distinguished Senator David Mark has been nominated to serve as interim national chairman of ADC, while former Osun State Governor, Chief Rauf Aregbesola is to serve as interim national secretary.
This step according to leaders of the coalition is to steer the ADC towards new heights, as the measure was uniquely aimed at removing the APC from leadership in 2027.
Mark’s departure from PDP might signal underlying issues within the Party that could have broader implications for the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.
On the other hand, the ADC stands to gain substantially from Mark’s expertise and political network, as his appointment could be a strategic move to bolster the party’s national presence and appeal.
Senator David Mark is well groomed in Nigerian politics, with a career spanning decades after serving in the military.
Mark has played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s legislative agenda and his influence extends beyond his tenure as Senate President, with a legacy that includes significant legislative contributions.
In the same vein, the former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola has agreed to serve as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In his acceptance speech, Aregbesola explained that he agreed to serve because Nigeria’s political scene is dominated by parties lacking clear ideological direction.
On his verified Facebook page, Aregbesola stated that most existing political parties are mere hollow structures that merge and split not based on policy or principle, but on the pursuit of power and personal interests.
He said; “It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party and that I accept the appointment as the National Secretary of our great party.
“I thank the leadership for the trust reposed in me. But more than that, I thank every committed member of this party and those who still believe that politics can be a force for good. These type of people believe that parties form government and people control it; educating, empowering and encouraging others towards their emancipation and development.
“Let me begin by saying this: a political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.
“Throughout Africa’s history and particularly in the legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, a 113-year behemoth of party organization that is impeccable in its credibility as a model of supremacy of party over its creation (government and popularly elected officials) have seen what a party grounded in ideology, principle, and people-centered struggle can achieve.
The ANC is not perfect, but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.
“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political
parties.
Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth.
They are empty shells merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.