Aregbesola’s group quits APC, vows to reclaim Osun in 2026

Omoluabi Progressives, the political group of Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun, has announced its decision to quit the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilesa, Osun state, on Sunday.

The meeting was attended by Aregbesola and other members of the APC faction in the 332 wards of Osun.

The political group was inaugurated in August 2023.

Aregbesola served as governor of Osun from 2010 to 2018, and minister of interior from 2019 to 2023 — as a member of the APC.

In a statement, Abosede Oluwaseun, spokesperson of the group, said members resolved to quit APC because of “ostracisation from the party, suspension and expulsion of leaders without fair hearing, and continuous denigration of the structure”.

Oluwaseun said group members expressed their readiness to join another political party ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.

Speaking during the meeting, Aregbesola said it is time to work “aggressively” to entrench good governance in Osun.

The former minister said the efforts of the leadership to position the group for the task ahead will soon materialise.

“The path we have toed is a smooth path, highly reassuring and full of good tides that will propel our dear state to greatness,” Aregbesola said.

“Therefore, you must show more commitment and attract genuine people who are ready to walk this path of righteousness with us.

“We are open to all regardless of political, religious, or socio-cultural leanings.

“We have the numbers, strength, and political acumen to provide a leadership that will make Osun the toast of its peers. By the grace of God, we shall succeed.”

Azeez Adesiji, chairman of the group, urged members to work together to restore Osun to the path of good governance.

“For us, the journey to reclaim Osun is a joint task. Be assured that we are ready to always accommodate your interests,” Adesiji said.

“What we want from you is your commitment to our ideals so that we can join hands together to restore Osun to good governance in 2026.”

POLARISED OSUN APC

Since 2021, Aregbesola’s faction has been at loggerheads with the state’s chapter of the APC over the leadership structure of the party.

The leadership crisis in Osun APC contributed to the defeat of the party in the 2022 governorship election.

Oyetola, former Osun governor, lost his re-election bid to Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Aregbesola APC faction refused to work for the party during the 2022 election.

Speculations will likely persist on whether Omoluabi Progressives would pitch tent with the PDP ahead of the governorship poll.