Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that Nigeria is at a breaking point and urgently needs political rescue, as he welcomed a wave of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and other Lagosians into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking at the affirmation ceremony in Lagos State, Aregbesola described the defection as a “historic turning point,” stressing that the ADC has now become the vehicle for national redemption.
Quoting the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, at the Unity Party of Nigeria’s 1983 congress, Aregbesola drew parallels between Nigeria’s current struggles and past political upheavals, warning that “any government that does not make the welfare and wellbeing of its people the basis of governance will soon lose relevance and collapse.”
He painted a grim picture of the nation’s current realities, lamenting the high level of insecurity, the collapse of medical affordability, and the crippling cost of living:
- “Across the nation, the spectre of insecurity looms large as sundry criminals lay siege on the people, making economic and social activities nearly impossible. People now live in mortal fear for their lives and property.”
- “Medical services, and especially drugs, have become so exorbitant that many of the sick are left waiting to die—unless a miracle comes their way.”
- “The cost of living is so high that starvation is literally stalking the land. Those who are a little more comfortable are being overwhelmed by requests for assistance from the needy in our society.”
The former governor emphasized that the lessons of history must not be ignored, warning that there is a limit to how much the people can be “squeezed and pushed before something eventually gives.”
Aregbesola insisted that political parties must serve as vehicles to empower the people, not oppress them, and described the ADC as the new platform of hope for Nigerians.
“This is why our mission is urgent and our intervention has become absolutely necessary. We must act now to save the nation,” he declared.
Encouraged by the growing momentum, Aregbesola hailed the rising enthusiasm from politicians and citizens across political divides:
“More than anything, I have been encouraged by the enthusiasm of politicians and citizens across divides and from all walks of life who are trooping into the ADC.”
The event ended with chants of solidarity as the defectors pledged allegiance to the ADC, marking what many observers believe could be the beginning of a fresh political movement ahead of the next general elections.