The candidate of the House of Representatives candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Irepodun/Olorunda/Orolu/Osogbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Taofeeq Saka Arogundade, has expressed confidence in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, insisting that its performance in previous elections in Osun will not determine its chances at the polls.
Arogundade stated this during an interview on Insight Links TV, where he discussed the party’s political prospects, internal challenges and his legislative agenda.
According to him, the ADC has continued to strengthen its structures ahead of the elections, stressing that the popularity and acceptability of individual candidates would play significant roles in determining electoral outcomes.
He noted that although the party recorded just above 17,000 votes during a last governorship election in Osun State, the figure should not be used to assess its prospects in 2027.
“My party is on ground to face the 2027 election. Elections nowadays are not about people’s context but monetary activities. We had about 17,000 votes during the governorship election, but that will not determine my party’s outcome in the 2027 election. This is about personality, not political party,” he said.
Speaking on the role of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in the ADC, Arogundade described him as an important figure in the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections.
He maintained that Aregbesola remained actively involved in the party’s administration at both the national and state levels.
“Aregbesola is fully on ground for ADC, both nationally and in the state. He is the national secretary of the party and has a huge role to play ahead of 2027, which he has been playing so far,” he stated.
The candidate also expressed support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a politician with a vision for Nigeria.
He predicted that Atiku would secure victory in Osun State in the 2027 presidential election if he emerged as the ADC’s candidate.
“We are all Nigerians, and we need a president like Atiku Abubakar, who has a vision for Nigeria,” he said.
Addressing the leadership crisis within the ADC involving Nafiu Bala, Arogundade said the controversy had further strengthened his interest in judicial reforms.
“The Nafiu Bala issue is part of my legislative agenda, where I want to raise a bill about judicial reform because the judiciary is ambiguous in Nigeria,” he explained.
On his ambition to represent the Osogbo Federal Constituency, Arogundade maintained that the outcome of the election would not be determined solely by votes from Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas.
He argued that Irepodun Local Government Area would play a significant role in determining the outcome of the contest.
The candidate, who hails from Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area, disclosed that his grandmother was from Osogbo, describing his family connections across the constituency as an advantage.
He also expressed confidence in his political consultations and preparations, noting that he and his team were making efforts to secure the party’s ticket and win the election.
“God gives power, and we have to play our role. I and my team are doing so many things for us to emerge,” he said.
Speaking on his legislative agenda, Arogundade identified transportation, agricultural development, youth empowerment and economic growth as areas he would prioritise if elected.
He proposed the introduction of a bill that would establish a transportation subsidy framework aimed at reducing the financial burden on commuters.
“I want to make a bill that will subsidise transportation for citizens at the level of consumption, and with that, we can decide the commercial transportation cost. There is going to be a scheme that will be managing this,” he said.
On agriculture, he expressed concern over the underutilisation of available farmland in Osun State, stressing the need for policies and interventions that would improve productivity and support local farmers.
“We have the land in Osun, but our agricultural activities are not moving. Our state should be the best in agricultural activities,” he stated.
Arogundade also proposed the establishment of an Osogbo Federal Constituency football competition as part of efforts to engage young people, promote peace and discover sporting talents.
He explained that the initiative could eventually lead to the establishment of a football academy where talented youths would receive training and opportunities to pursue professional careers.
“We need to engage youths through sporting activities, especially football, which can bring everlasting peace to our community,” he said.
He added that having professional footballers from Osun State competing internationally could contribute to the state’s economic development.
The ADC candidate further called for greater investment in industrial activities, arguing that Osun possessed sufficient resources to expand its economy beyond the civil service.
He maintained that harnessing the state’s agricultural and industrial potential would create employment opportunities and improve residents’ living standards.
Arogundade, who described himself as an accountant and banker, said his professional background and ability to communicate fluently in three languages would strengthen his capacity to engage stakeholders and attract development to the constituency.
“Public affairs is about humanity. As long as humanity is in you, you can perform better. Those who are there have been performing well, but I have my own ways of doing better,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to promoting peace, unity and development, expressing confidence that effective representation and people-oriented policies could improve the economic fortunes of the constituency.
https://youtu.be/uoxabDJ5BE4/