Aregbesola Makes Surprise Visit to Oyinlola, Woos Him to ADC

The Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, paid an unannounced visit to former governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, at his residence in Okuku, Odo Otin Local Government Area, on Sunday evening. The meeting, which came to public attention after photos surfaced on social media Monday, has sparked speculation about a possible political alliance ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Sources familiar with the meeting suggested that Aregbesola, a former governor under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), used the opportunity to woo Oyinlola into the ADC. The visit comes shortly after Aregbesola publicly declared his intention to unseat incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke through the ballot in 2026, during a reception organised by the Omoluwabi Progressives in Osogbo.

Though details of the conversation between the two former governors remain scarce, political observers see the move as a strategic realignment. Some noted the irony in Aregbesola’s outreach, considering his historic legal battle with Oyinlola that ultimately led to the latter’s removal from office in 2010. The former adversaries briefly aligned politically after Oyinlola left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but the relationship failed to gain long-term traction.

Confirming the visit, Osun State ADC chairman Charles Omidiji told journalists he was aware of the meeting, describing it as part of normal political engagement. Speaking from Abuja, Omidiji emphasised that the ADC was actively working to attract heavyweight politicians. “Politics is a game of numbers. Don’t completely rule out the possibility of big members of PDP moving to ADC. Many of them are coming. I can tell you for free,” he said.

Aregbesola’s ongoing mobilisation efforts are seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the ADC ahead of national and state-level contests. He has reportedly been holding talks with various political actors across the country in a bid to bolster the party’s relevance.

Oyinlola, for his part, reportedly received Aregbesola warmly but has not made any public statement regarding a potential defection. Last week, during an appearance on Arise TV, he expressed disapproval of rumours that Governor Adeleke might join the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such a move could backfire. Dismissing speculation about his own political stance, Oyinlola described himself as a “battle-tested general,” affirming that he remains firm in his political convictions and is unmoved by pressure.