Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has officially accepted his appointment as the General Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), delivering a powerful address that emphasized principled politics, internal democracy, and national responsibility.

In a speech that echoed a call to moral leadership and ideological clarity, Aregbesola warned against the prevailing trend of personality-driven politics, describing power not as a prize to be seized, but “a responsibility to be shouldered,” quoting his own words which drew applause: “It is not a throne to occupy, but a burden to bear with honour.”

Addressing party leaders, members, and fellow Nigerians, Aregbesola expressed gratitude to the ADC leadership for entrusting him with the role. He also praised party loyalists “who still believe politics can be a force for good,” urging for a politics rooted in values rather than opportunism.

“A political party is not a vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition over collective good,” he said. “It must be a living institution, built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.”

Aregbesola drew lessons from the historical legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, noting its ideological grounding and people-centered vision. While acknowledging its imperfections, he commended its foundational commitment to justice, dignity, and equality—principles he said should guide the ADC’s evolution.

The new General Secretary declared his intention to transform the ADC into a party of substance, guided by democratic values, social justice, and national development. He committed to building internal party structures that reflect transparency, fairness, and inclusion.

“We must become an institution where internal democracy is not just preached but practiced,” he asserted. “Where women and young people are not just decorations, but central to decision-making.”

Aregbesola further pledged to position the party as a champion of education, security, prosperity, and people-driven governance. Drawing on global political models—from Mandela’s South Africa to Sweden’s social democracy—he stressed the need to adapt these lessons to Nigeria’s unique realities.

“Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us,” he said.

Calling for collective effort and accountability, Aregbesola invited party members and Nigerians at large to hold him to the highest standards. “Challenge me where I falter,” he urged. “And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place.”

He closed his speech with a resounding reaffirmation of his central message: “True power lies not in what we can claim for ourselves, but in what we can deliver for our people. This is our covenant with history: power is responsibility.”