Don’t fight APC supporters, Aregbesola tells ADC members

• Aregbesola urged ADC supporters to counter APC with facts instead of insults during political engagements and debates.
• He challenged critics to assess the country’s condition under APC, citing food inflation and worsening economic hardship.

The interim national secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, has cautioned party supporters against insulting members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aregbesola, who is also a former minister of interior, gave the advice on Friday after returning from Abuja to Lagos.

His return followed the launch of the ADC, which he said is aimed at unseating the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The former governor of Osun State issued the message through his social media pages after being welcomed by supporters at the airport.

“I sincerely thank our supporters and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who came out to receive me on my arrival in Lagos,” he added.

“The task before us is immense, and I reminded everyone that we do not need to fight, insult, or attack anyone.”

He urged party faithful to focus on facts rather than confrontation.

“When others resort to abuse or name-calling, we must rise above it. Instead, ask them one simple question: Are Nigerians better off today than they were before?”

He advised them to challenge ruling party supporters with facts on food inflation, the economy, rising cost of living, and growing poverty.

“Let our debates remain focused on the issues that matter. Articulate our position clearly and confidently,” he said.

“Explain why our new political home, the ADC, represents a credible and necessary alternative for Nigeria’s progress and long-term sustainability.”

Aregbesola was once a close political ally of the president, Bola Tinubu.

Their relationship dates back to 1999 when Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State.

They fell out in 2022 when Aregbesola’s successor, Gboyega Oyetola, sought re-election as Osun governor on the APC platform.

Aregbesola’s political group, Omoluabi, opposed Oyetola’s bid and backed Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Oyetola eventually lost his re-election bid to Adeleke.