Former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has delivered a scathing assessment of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring the ruling party a “total failure” in the economy, security and governance. He also claimed that God has “disowned” the party over what he described as its betrayal of public trust.
Speaking in Osogbo on Tuesday after concluding the ADC’s federal constituency tours of Osogbo/Olorunda/Orolu and Irepodun, Aregbesola told a large crowd of supporters that Nigerians must “reject the APC in 2027” if the country is to recover from what he called years of misrule.
Aregbesola, who led mobilisation activities across all nine federal constituencies in Osun State, accused the APC-led federal government of pursuing selfish interests at the expense of national welfare.
According to him, the ruling party failed because it prioritised personal gain over collective progress.
“Those in government now tried their best, but God is not with them because they didn’t start with God,” he said. “They are selfish. They started with the word ‘Emi’, instead of ‘Awa’. They have been disgraced in all sectors, especially in the economy, security, governance, and others.”
He further alleged that the APC had a history of manipulating elections but insisted that such tactics would no longer save the party in upcoming polls.
“God has left the present government and even the government at the centre. They used to rig elections; we know their tactics,” he claimed.
Aregbesola also criticised election-day incentives allegedly used by politicians, saying, “Ahead of the next election, they have started 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 groups of 10 per polling booth and leave the rest to God.”
He maintained that the APC had failed Nigerians in every critical area of national life.
“There is no sector where they have not failed. The economy is in dire straits, insecurity is ravaging the country, and governance continues to deteriorate,” he said. “The reign of the APC will come to an end in the next general election.”
Positioning the ADC as the nation’s best alternative, Aregbesola said the party was prepared to “liberate the people and make life more abundant for the masses.”
“We are glad that our people have resolved to vote out an incompetent government. Our party, if elected, will correct all governance misnomers and set the tone for mass-oriented development,” he added, urging citizens to mobilise and participate actively in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
After the tours, Aregbesola led ADC leaders on a courtesy call to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, who described him as “a good leader.”
However, the Osun State chapter of the APC dismissed Aregbesola’s remarks, accusing him of attacking the same party that elevated him politically.
Reacting, the APC Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, questioned the basis of Aregbesola’s claims.
“At what point did APC fail?” he queried. “He was governor for eight years and minister for four years through the benevolence of this same party he now says has failed. He is attacking himself.”
Olabisi added that the former minister attained national relevance “through the benevolence of God and the party he castigated.”
