A former governor of Osun State and interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, has urged supporters of the coalition party not to fight or insult anyone but continue to amplify unprecedented high cost of living, poverty and economic hardships under President Bola Tinubu.

A protege of Mr Tinubu turned political adversary, Mr Aregbesola made this call in a statement in a post on Friday, shortly after supporters and members of the ADC received him in Lagos.

He said, “The task before us is immense, and I reminded everyone that we do not need to fight, insult, or attack anyone. When others resort to abuse or name-calling, we must rise above it. Instead, ask them one simple question: Are Nigerians better off today than they were before? Challenge them with facts – on food inflation, the economy, the rising cost of living, and the deepening poverty affecting millions. Let our debates remain focused on the issues that matter.”

Mr Aregbesola urged ADC supporters and members to articulate their “position clearly and confidently. Explain why our new political home, the ADC, represents a credible and necessary alternative for Nigeria’s progress and long-term sustainability.”

On Tuesday, the coalition of opposition politicians announced adoption of the ADC as the party to challenge Mr Tinubu in 2027.

The coalition, which includes former vice president Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Senate President David Mark, announced Messrs Mark and Aregbesola, as its national chairman and national secretary, respectively.