Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has affirmed former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South West.

Atiku made the declaration during a meeting with ADC leaders and stakeholders from the six South West states, led by the party’s Zonal Chairman, Hon. Akin Omole.

According to Atiku, the leadership of the ADC in the South West has never been in dispute, describing Aregbesola as a leader who has earned his position through his experience in political mobilisation and organisation, as well as his previous political offices.

The ADC presidential candidate also called on party leaders across the zone to close ranks and work together ahead of the 2027 general elections. He assured the gathering that efforts would be made to reconcile differences among leaders for the progress of the party.

Earlier, Hon. Akin Omole raised concerns over what he described as persistent disagreements across the six South West states, noting that the situation had affected the progress of the party in the region.

Omole appealed to Atiku and other leaders to support efforts aimed at resolving the issues identified by a committee set up to examine the challenges within the party.

He subsequently presented the committee’s report to Atiku Abubakar, as leaders at the meeting stressed the need for reconciliation, unity and stronger collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting ended with a call for ADC leaders across the South West to work together towards strengthening the party’s structure and electoral prospects.