Speculation over a possible alliance involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and another political party ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election has been dismissed by the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.

Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, also rejected reports that the ADC governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, could withdraw from the race in favour of another contender.

He spoke during a solidarity rally organised by the ADC in Ejigbo, Osun State, on Saturday, in remarks contained in a video that circulated on Monday.

The Rumour

The clarification followed speculation on social media that the ADC was discussing a possible alliance with the Accord Party to support the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The speculation intensified after photographs of Adeleke and Aregbesola appeared online, prompting suggestions that discussions could be taking place between the political camps.

Reports also emerged suggesting that the ADC could reach an arrangement with another party ahead of the election and that Salaam might step aside from the contest.

Aregbesola, however, rejected both suggestions.

Aregbesola’s Denial

Addressing ADC supporters at the rally, the former governor said the party was not negotiating an alliance with any rival political party.

He said the ADC would contest the election independently rather than enter into an arrangement with another party.

“They said we are holding meetings with some people. We are not in alliance with any political party,” Aregbesola said.

He also dismissed suggestions that the party needed the support of another political platform to remain competitive in the election.

“No political party can shoulder our responsibility. We are more in population than any other political party in Nigeria,” he claimed.

Aregbesola further maintained that Salaam would remain the ADC’s candidate and expressed confidence that the party would win the election.

The Party’s Position

Aregbesola also addressed suggestions that financial considerations could persuade the ADC to enter an alliance.

He argued that his political group had previously maintained relationships with influential political figures but had been willing to walk away when such arrangements no longer served its objectives.

“Assuming we were looking for money, we would not part ways with them. Nobody has the money to buy us.

“This election we would contest and win,” he said.

The former governor cited his years in public service, including eight years as a commissioner in Lagos State, eight years as governor of Osun State and his tenure as Minister of Interior, as part of his argument that financial inducement was not determining his political decisions.

He said the ADC would not compromise its principles in pursuit of political funding.

“We are not poor, but we don’t beg. We are not wealthy, but we don’t beg. We at this stage will not be chasing after money,” Aregbesola said.

He added that the party’s political mission was focused on serving the public rather than pursuing personal gain.

“How God will make us the saviour of the masses is our mission on earth.

“Whoever you see with us is an honest person. We are here to serve society. That was the covenant between us and God when we were coming,” he stated.

The Election Context

The ADC is fielding Salaam in the August 15 governorship election as it seeks to challenge the other political forces in the race.

The clarification from Aregbesola came as the campaign entered its final stage, with speculation over possible alliances potentially affecting perceptions of the ADC’s position in the contest.

By insisting that the party has no alliance with another political party, Aregbesola presented the ADC as an independent contender heading into the election.

His comments also reaffirmed that Salaam remains the party’s candidate based on the position he expressed at the rally.

Where Things Stand

Based on Aregbesola’s remarks, the ADC’s publicly stated position is that it will contest the Osun governorship election independently and that Salaam will remain its candidate.

The party has also rejected the suggestion that financial considerations would lead it into an alliance with another political platform.

Aregbesola’s declaration that the ADC would contest and win represents the party leadership’s confidence ahead of the poll.

However, the remarks are a political position expressed by the ADC leadership and do not establish the eventual outcome of the election.

What It Means Politically

Aregbesola’s intervention seeks to settle questions surrounding the ADC’s participation in the Osun governorship contest at a critical point in the electoral process.

By rejecting reports of an alliance and reaffirming Salaam’s candidacy, he has placed the party’s position on record ahead of the August 15 poll.

The clarification also means that, based on the position stated by Aregbesola, the ADC intends to enter the election independently rather than support another candidate through an alliance.

The final decision, however, will come from the electorate when Osun voters cast their ballots on August 15.