By Stella Odueme
The reported loss of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at the polling unit where its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, cast his ballot in the ongoing Osun State Governorship Election has triggered calls for an urgent review of the party’s grassroots mobilisation strategy.
The call was made on Saturday by Sir Anonye Ikechukwu C., in statement on behalf of Concerned Members and Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Aregbesola, a former Governor of Osun State, reportedly voted at Ward 08, Unit 01, Ifofin, Ilesa East Local Government Area.
In the statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the stakeholders described the reported outcome as more than an ordinary electoral development, saying it should prompt serious reflection within the ADC leadership.
They argued that the result, subject to confirmation by the official election results, could raise questions about the party’s grassroots organisation, voter mobilisation and ability to translate its national political message into electoral support.
The group said the development was particularly significant because Aregbesola has been a prominent advocate of the ADC as a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the stakeholders, the outcome should not be used as a basis for a personal attack on the ADC National Secretary but should instead serve as an opportunity for the party to examine its organisational strengths and weaknesses.
They urged the ADC National Working Committee to undertake a comprehensive post-election assessment of the party’s performance across Osun State, covering wards and polling units.
The assessment, they said, should identify areas where the party performed below expectations and examine the effectiveness of its agents, mobilisation networks and engagement with voters.
The stakeholders further warned that the ADC’s ambition to play a major role in the 2027 elections would require stronger grassroots structures and sustained contact with ordinary voters.
They maintained that electoral strength should ultimately be measured by votes secured at polling units rather than political titles, public statements or the size of campaign gatherings.
The group nevertheless expressed confidence that the party could still use the Osun experience to reorganise its structures and improve its electoral preparedness ahead of 2027.
“The time for excuses is over. The time for grassroots rebuilding is now,” the stakeholders said.