Fresh political realignments ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State took centre stage on Sunday as former governor of the state, Rauf Aregbesola, publicly ruled out any return to the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting that the African Democratic Congress now represents the platform his supporters would build on in the state.

Addressing party stakeholders in Ilesa, Aregbesola framed his position around governance and political direction, saying the conditions facing Nigerians under the current administration had strengthened his resolve to remain with the ADC. He told party members that the movement within the opposition party was expanding despite what he described as pressure and intimidation from political opponents.

The former minister also used the gathering to rally support for the ADC governorship candidate in Osun, Najeem Salaam. According to him, the election would test the ability of opposition forces to convince voters that they can restore development and improve living conditions in the state. He urged residents to remain committed to the party’s campaign structure ahead of the poll.

Salaam, speaking at the same meeting, focused on policy promises and economic concerns affecting residents. He said an ADC administration would prioritise job creation, affordable housing, poverty reduction and measures aimed at addressing inequality. The governorship hopeful added that the party intended to present itself as an alternative to what he called years of governance failures in the state.

Party leaders also moved to reassure supporters over the stability of the ADC structure in Osun. The party’s chairman-elect in the state, Azeez Adesiji, said the organisation remained united despite political tensions surrounding the election season. He announced plans for a statewide mobilisation campaign expected to begin within days and cover all local government areas and federal constituencies.

Sunday’s meeting highlighted how opposition parties are beginning to sharpen their strategies months before the governorship contest. With campaigns gathering momentum in Osun, political observers say voter concerns around economic hardship, unemployment and governance performance are likely to shape the tone of the election as parties intensify grassroots engagement across the state.