Supporters of the newly appointed National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Friday evening thronged the Lagos airport to welcome him back from Abuja.

The former Minister of Interior was spotted among a cheering crowd of loyalists, many of whom wore bright orange caps as a symbol of solidarity and renewed political fervour.

PUNCH Online reports that Aregbesola was recently named interim National Secretary of the ADC, a new coalition party aiming to reshape Nigeria’s political scene ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on his new role, Aregbesola drew inspiration from South Africa’s African National Congress, describing it as a party with vision and integrity — qualities he says are lacking in most Nigerian parties.

“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.

“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties. 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,” he added.

The ADC, backed by big political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Senate President David Mark, is being positioned as a strong opposition force to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027. (Saturday PUNCH)