The Osun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed reports of a possible rift between the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, insisting that the two politicians remain on good terms.
The party also denied claims of a leadership crisis within its ranks, describing suggestions of internal discord as misleading.
The clarification comes amid speculation surrounding the composition of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, which was announced on September 25. Aregbesola, a prominent political figure in the South-West, was notably absent from the list of members, raising questions about his involvement in Atiku’s presidential campaign.
According to reports, the omission fuelled allegations that relations between the two politicians may have deteriorated.
However, the Osun ADC Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, has dismissed the speculation, maintaining that there is no disagreement between Atiku and Aregbesola.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, Abosede said the reports did not reflect the actual situation within the party.
“There is no rancour between Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. They are fine, and there is no leadership crisis within the ADC, as some people may want the public to believe,” he said.
ADC Reveals Aregbesola’s Political Strategy in the South-West
Abosede also explained that Aregbesola and other ADC leaders in the South-West were pursuing a political roadmap aimed at strengthening the party’s structures and expanding its influence across the region.
According to him, the party has been engaging with different interest groups, building relationships and consolidating its political base ahead of future electoral activities.
He stressed that the absence of prominent public appearances or frequent political announcements should not be interpreted as a lack of activity.
“On the question of what Aregbesola and ADC South-West are currently doing, there is a deliberate political roadmap in place. The work is ongoing, with conscious efforts to engage and bring together interest groups, build relationships, strengthen political structures and widen the party’s reach across the South-West,” Abosede stated.
The party spokesperson added that the political engagements were part of a broader strategy to position the ADC for future electoral contests.
Campaign Activities Will Begin at the Appropriate Time — ADC
Abosede further stated that the ADC would commence its campaign activities at the appropriate time, noting that political organisation often requires extensive consultations and preparation before public announcements are made.
He maintained that the party’s current focus was on strengthening its internal structures and building relationships across the South-West rather than making frequent public declarations.
“Politics is not always about making noise or rushing to announce every move. Sometimes, the most consequential work takes place quietly, through consultation, organisation, relationship-building and the consolidation of structures,” he said.
The Osun ADC spokesperson added that the party remained confident in its political strategy under Aregbesola’s leadership in the region.
“That is what ADC South-West is focused on under Ogbeni’s leadership. We are working according to our roadmap, and when the time comes for the full political picture to emerge, the scale of the work will speak for itself,” he added.
Abosede urged political observers and commentators not to mistake the absence of constant public displays for inactivity, insisting that the party’s political engagements were ongoing.
“I will therefore urge observers and political commentators not to confuse the absence of constant public displays with the absence of political activity. There is a process underway, and we are confident in the direction we are taking,” he said.
Political Implications for the ADC
The clarification comes as attention remains focused on the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections and the role key political figures will play in the party’s campaign strategy.
Aregbesola’s influence in the South-West makes his political activities particularly significant to the party’s efforts to expand its presence in the region.
Although his absence from the announced Presidential Campaign Council prompted speculation, the Osun ADC chapter has maintained that there is no disagreement between him and Atiku.
For now, the party says its priority is to consolidate its structures, engage stakeholders and expand its political reach ahead of the next electoral cycle.