From APC chieftain to ADC National Secretary: Profile of Rauf Aregbesola

Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola is a seasoned Nigerian politician and mechanical engineering technologist.

He is best known for his tenure as the Governor of Osun State (2010–2018) and later as Nigeria’s Minister of Interior (2019–2023) under President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a recent political shift, Aregbesola transitioned from being a foundational figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to taking on a new role as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Profile summary

Name: Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola

Born: May 25, 1957

Place of birth: Osun

Education: The Polytechnic, Ibadan

Religion: Islam

Relationship status: Married

Career: Politician, Engineer

Background

Born on May 25, 1957, Rauf Aregbesola comes from a religiously diverse family in Osun State.

He spent his early years in Ondo State, where he attended both primary and secondary school.

He later proceeded to The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he studied Mechanical Engineering Technology, graduating in 1980.

While his qualifications have been subject to public debate, COREN recognizes graduates of such programs as engineering technologists.

Entry into politics

Aregbesola’s early involvement in politics began during his student days, where he emerged as a strong voice in student activism and nationalist movements.

He was Speaker of the Students’ Parliament and also led the Black Nationalist Movement between 1977 and 1980.

He gained further political traction in 1990 as a delegate to the Social Democratic Party’s local and national conventions.

Following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, he became a key figure in the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and played a pivotal role in Bola Tinubu’s successful gubernatorial campaign in Lagos.

After Tinubu became governor, Aregbesola was appointed as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, where he oversaw major infrastructural projects.

His achievements laid the foundation for what would become a defining career in governance.

In 2007, Aregbesola contested the governorship of Osun State but faced legal hurdles after the election result declared the incumbent winner.

He pursued a prolonged legal battle, and in November 2010, a Court of Appeal overturned the result and declared him the rightful governor.

He was sworn in shortly afterward and served two terms from 2010 to 2018.

As governor, Aregbesola introduced several notable initiatives, including the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O-YES), a massive public school reform program, and the Opon-Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) project, which garnered global attention.

He also institutionalized the “Omoluabi” philosophy, aimed at promoting integrity, discipline, and cultural pride among Osun citizens.

Controversies

In 2015, Aregbesola faced an impeachment petition over alleged financial mismanagement. However, a panel cleared him of wrongdoing.

The petition’s author, Justice Folahanmi Oloyede, was later retired by the National Judicial Council for overstepping judicial bounds with politically charged accusations.

Appointment

In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, where he served until 2023. During this period, he led reforms in passport issuance, border security, and emergency response services.

Recent political shift

Despite his long-standing loyalty to the APC, Aregbesola’s recent political alignment marks a significant shift.

In 2025, he accepted the position of Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move seen as both strategic and symbolic.

His decision to move away from the APC was accompanied by a strong critique of Nigeria’s political system, which he described as lacking clear ideological direction.

With his new role in the ADC, Aregbesola has joined efforts to reposition the party as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His move signals a potential realignment in opposition politics, as he brings with him years of experience, grassroots influence, and a vision for reform.

Family

Rauf Aregbesola is married to Sherifat Aregbesola, and their union has spanned several decades.

Together, they have built a close-knit family while maintaining a strong presence in public service and community development.

Rauf Aregbesola together with wife Sherifat

Aregbesola is a devout Muslim and has often emphasized the importance of moral values, discipline, and faith in both his personal and political life.

Net worth

Despite his long career in public office, Aregbesola is known for his modest lifestyle.

However, his estimated net worth is reportedly around $4 million to $6 million, accumulated through years of service and various investments tied to his political career.