Aregbesola Says APC Government Has Failed In Economy, Security, Governance

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the Federal Government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed to meet high standards in the economy, security and other critical sectors of governance.

Aregbesola, a former Governor of Osun State and ex-Minister of Interior, spoke in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Tuesday during the unveiling of the ADC in the state. Addressing a large crowd of supporters, he said the current administration at the centre had been “disgraceful in all sectors” and predicted that the APC’s reign would come to an end in the next general election.

He urged Nigerians, particularly residents of Osun State, to reject the ruling party in 2027, insisting that those in power had been driven by selfish interest and had failed to lay a proper spiritual and moral foundation for governance.

God Has Left The Present Government’ – Aregbesola

Speaking largely in the Yoruba language, Aregbesola said the current government, both at the federal and state levels, no longer enjoys divine backing because of what he described as selfishness and poor leadership orientation.

“Those in government now tried their best, but God is not with them because they didn’t start with God. They are selfish. They started with the word ‘emi’ (I), instead of ‘awa’ (we). They have been disgraceful in all sectors – in the economy, security, governance, and others,” he told the crowd.

He also accused the APC of relying on electoral manipulation in previous polls, claiming that “they used to rig elections” and that he and his supporters “know their tactics.” He, however, urged his followers and party members to adopt unconventional grassroots mobilisation methods ahead of the next general election.

In a remark that has drawn attention, Aregbesola advised supporters to focus on older women, whom he described as no longer in childbearing age, as key mobilisers at the polling units. “Ahead of the next election, start taking good care of women who are no longer of childbearing age. On the day of the poll, give them new clothes, and let them sit in a group of 10 per polling booth and leave the rest to God,” he said.

ADC Unveiling Draws Massive Crowd In Osogbo

Tuesday’s event in Osogbo formed part of the ADC’s Federal Constituency Tour in Osun State, which Aregbesola has been leading across the nine federal constituencies. The unveiling of the party in Osogbo attracted a large turnout of residents and supporters.

In a statement signed by Oluwaseun Abosede, Chairman, Directorate of Media and Publicity, Osun ADC, the party said residents of Osogbo and the wider Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu Federal Constituency “trooped out massively” to welcome the party’s procession and endorsement tour.

Earlier in the day, Aregbesola led ADC leaders on a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, where he briefed the traditional ruler on the party’s plans and sought royal blessings for its activities in the state. The move is seen as part of efforts to deepen the party’s grassroots presence and traditional support in Osun.

From APC Stalwart To ADC Strategist

Aregbesola’s comments mark a further shift from his long-standing association with the APC, a party under whose platform he served as Governor of Osun State for eight years and later as Minister of Interior for four years at the federal level.

He had earlier revalidated his ADC membership card at Ward 8, Ifofin, in Ilesa East, Osun State. During that exercise, he told supporters that he chose the ADC because of what he described as its discipline, integrity and other positive attributes. He also stated that an ADC-led government would prioritise the fight against banditry and other violent crimes across the country.

In a reference to the future, Aregbesola was quoted as saying on August 8, 2026, that ADC members would meet at the Abere Osun Government Secretariat after securing victory in the polls, underscoring his confidence in the party’s electoral prospects.

Osun APC Fires Back: ‘He Is Attacking Himself’

The Osun State chapter of the APC has dismissed Aregbesola’s comments, insisting that his political trajectory and public profile were built on the platform of the same party he now criticises.

When contacted for a reaction, the Osun APC Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, said the former minister attained his current political height through “the benevolence of God and the party he has chosen to castigate.”

“At what point did APC fail?” Olabisi queried. “He was governor for eight years and minister for four years through the benevolence of this same party he said has failed. He is attacking himself,” the APC spokesperson said.

The APC’s response highlights the political tension surrounding Aregbesola’s defection and his increasingly critical stance against his former party, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum.

Aregbesola’s Promise: Ending Banditry And Violent Crimes

Beyond criticism of the ruling party, Aregbesola has been positioning the ADC as a credible alternative platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s security and economic difficulties.

He has previously assured Nigerians that an ADC-led administration would “end banditry and other violent crimes,” promising reforms in security architecture and governance. According to him, the party’s guiding principles of discipline and integrity would set it apart from what he describes as the failings of the current government.

As the ADC continues its tour across Osun’s federal constituencies, party insiders say the strategy is to consolidate its support base in the state while projecting Aregbesola as a rallying figure in the broader national realignment ahead of the 2027 polls. Whether the party can translate crowds at rallies into votes at the ballot box remains to be seen.