Acting National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the party is poised to rescue Nigeria from the grip of those currently steering its affairs, urging Nigerians to unite behind a new vision for national restoration.

Speaking at the Oranmiyan House on Sunday, where a large crowd of party faithful and supporters gathered to welcome him back to Osun State, the former governor emphasized that the time has come to reclaim the country and restore purposeful leadership.

Aregbesola stated that the ADC is preparing rigorously to return to power in Osun State by unseating the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2026 governorship election.

"Our gathering here today marks the beginning of a mission to reclaim the state. Your presence since morning speaks volumes about your dedication. But this is only the beginning. Let us go door to door, house to house, and community to community to remind our people that it’s time to vote out a government that has taken away basic necessities—bread, milk, garri from their tables."

He lamented that Nigeria has been taken backwards by its current political leadership and stressed that the ADC is a party built on substance, service, and trust.

Aregbesola also warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) may deploy misinformation, media manipulation, and coordinated attacks in a bid to discredit and destabilize the ADC. However, he insisted that the party would not be distracted.

"We are not here to trade insults. We are here to restore what has been lost dignity, competence, and direction.
This party is open to all Nigerians who believe in a better future, not as enemies of others, but as citizens ready to chart a new course."

He added:

"We know the tactics distractions, smear campaigns, provocations. But we won’t fall for them. We’re on a mission and will remain focused building quietly, consistently, and with conviction."

Aregbesola reiterated that the ADC’s philosophy is rooted in the progressive ideals that once transformed the Western Region a philosophy, he noted, that had delivered real progress even in the harshest times.

"We applied those same principles in Osun during one of Nigeria’s worst economic crises and still delivered measurable results. That’s the kind of leadership Nigeria needs today grounded, proven, and people focused."

He concluded by affirming that the ADC is entering a new era of responsibility, restoration, and results.

"The struggles of the past were not wasted. They have prepared us to lead with clarity and purpose. The best of what we have to offer is still ahead."

Meanwhile, the ADC Chairman in Osun State, Dr. Charles Omidiji, called on members to extend hands of friendship to others willing to join the party, saying unity and inclusion would be vital to building momentum ahead of 2026.