Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-West have called for the immediate removal of the party’s Interim National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, over allegations that his actions have created internal divisions and violated the party’s constitution ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demand was contained in a petition submitted to the party’s national leadership following an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held in Ibadan on July 28.
The petition, signed by several state officials and party leaders across the South-West, was addressed to the National Chairman and copied to members of the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), the party’s 2027 presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as the National Legal Adviser.
According to the petitioners, Aregbesola allegedly established a parallel political structure across the South-West under the name “Omoluabi Progressive” and presented members of the group as recognised ADC officials at the ward, local government and state levels.
They argued that such actions go against the provisions of the party’s constitution and have deepened disagreements within the party.
The leaders also accused the former Osun State governor of interfering in the party’s candidate selection process. They claimed that on the final day for the submission of National Assembly candidates, names of candidates who emerged from primaries monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were allegedly replaced with individuals linked to the Omoluabi Progressive group.
They further alleged that the affected individuals did not participate in the party’s nomination process.
In addition, the petition blamed Aregbesola for the political disputes affecting the ADC in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states. The stakeholders alleged that he bypassed the responsibilities of the National Organising Secretary by setting up parallel committees to conduct party primaries and forwarding their details to INEC.
The South-West leaders argued that the continued stay of Aregbesola in office could further worsen the party’s internal challenges as preparations for the 2027 elections continue. They maintained that the party needs stable leadership capable of uniting members and ensuring that its constitution is respected at all levels.
As part of their request, the stakeholders urged the party leadership to review Aregbesola’s appointment and replace him with another person from the APC bloc within the coalition.
They said the replacement should be someone they believe possesses the leadership qualities, loyalty and experience needed to guide the party toward a successful outing in the next general elections.
The petitioners also appealed to the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee to take immediate action to address the complaints. They warned that failing to resolve the issues quickly could deepen the internal crisis and affect the party’s chances in the 2027 polls.