Rauf Aregbesola Vows to Uphold International Best Practices as ADC Interim National Secretary

Rauf Aregbesola, the newly appointed Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has pledged to model the party’s organisation, administration, and ethics after international best practices.

In his acceptance speech, Aregbesola emphasized that a political party is not a vehicle for opportunism or personal ambition, but a living institution founded on values, ideals, and accountability to the people it serves. “A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve,” he stated.

He highlighted the ADC’s commitment to democratic principles, rule of law, social justice, transparency, accountability, and national development. Citing the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa as a model, Aregbesola praised the party’s legacy of ideology, principle, and people-centered struggle. “The ANC is not perfect, but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity, and true freedom,” he noted.

Aregbesola pledged to build a party that listens and works for the people every day—not just during elections. He outlined a vision for internal democracy, transparent intra-party competition, and genuine inclusion of young people, women, and marginalized groups.

“We will model international best practices in party organisation, administration, and ethics. We will study what works—from South Africa to Sweden, Chile to Kenya—and adapt what fits our local reality,” he said.

Discipline, clarity of purpose, and service to the people, Aregbesola asserted, must define the ADC. He further emphasized the importance of creating autonomous structures within the party to give special interests, such as youth and women, a real voice beyond symbolic inclusion.

“I ask for your support—not just in words, but in action. Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. Stand with me as we rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place as service to the people,” he appealed.

Aregbesola’s appointment marks a significant new chapter for the ADC, with many watching closely to see how the party will implement this renewed vision in its bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).