Supporters of the newly appointed interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, gathered at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday to welcome him following his return from Abuja.

Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and two-term governor of Osun State, was seen among a crowd of enthusiastic party loyalists, many of whom wore orange caps symbolising their support for the ADC. His return comes shortly after he was named to the key leadership position in the party, which is spearheading a coalition effort ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In brief remarks to journalists at the airport, Aregbesola drew comparisons between the ADC and South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), describing the latter as a party founded on resistance and guided by ideals such as justice and inclusivity.

“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 of all interests, and true freedom. It has character. It has soul,” he said.

He contrasted this with what he described as the condition of most political parties in Nigeria, accusing them of lacking ideological coherence and existing primarily for personal ambition rather than national development.

“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties,” he said. “Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells emerging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality.”

The ADC, now playing a central role in a broader opposition alliance known as the Coalition for a New Nigeria Movement, includes prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark.

The party has said its goal is to provide a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the next election cycle.