Rauf Aregbesola, the newly appointed interim national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a former Interior Minister, returned to Lagos following the party's formal launch. His primary message to ADC supporters was a fervent plea to avoid insults and attacks against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its supporters. Instead, Aregbesola urged them to engage in constructive, fact-based debates regarding the current state of Nigeria, especially as the ADC aims to unseat the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Addressing his supporters who gathered to welcome him in Lagos, Aregbesola emphasized the immense task ahead and the need to rise above name-calling and abuse. He advised ADC members to challenge the ruling party with verifiable facts on critical issues such as soaring food inflation, the struggling economy, the rising cost of living, and the deepening poverty affecting millions of Nigerians. His call was for debates to remain focused on substantive issues, clearly articulating the ADC's position as a credible and necessary alternative for Nigeria's progress and long-term sustainability.

Aregbesola's political journey, particularly his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, adds a significant layer of context. Once close allies, with Aregbesola serving as a commissioner under Tinubu in Lagos, their political association began in 1999. However, their relationship fractured in 2022 during the Osun State gubernatorial election. Aregbesola's political group, 'Omoluabi', notably did not support Tinubu's nephew, Gboyega Oyetola, in his bid for re-election as Governor of Osun State. This internal conflict led to Aregbesola's group supporting Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, ultimately resulting in Oyetola's defeat and the souring of relations between Aregbesola and Tinubu.