Former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola has formally announced its decision to exit the All Progressives Congress along with his political group, ‘The Omoluabi Progressives’.
The announcement was made following a crucial stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilesa, Osun State, on Sunday.
Aregbesola, alongside key members of the APC faction from all 332 wards across the state, attended the gathering. The Omoluabi Progressives was founded in August 2023.
Aregbesola, who served as Osun governor from 2010 to 2018 and as Minister of Interior from 2019 to 2023 under the APC, confirmed that the group’s withdrawal from the party comes after a series of grievances.
Abosede Oluwaseun, the spokesperson for the group, explained that members were dissatisfied with what they described as “ostracisation within the party, unjust suspensions and expulsions of leaders without due process, and the continual undermining of the party’s structure.”
Oluwaseun further stated that the group is ready to align with a new political party as they set their sights on the 2026 governorship election in Osun.
Speaking at the meeting, Aregbesola stressed that the group’s primary focus is to vigorously pursue good governance in the state. He also expressed confidence that their strategic efforts would soon yield positive results.
“The path we have taken is one of hope, progress, and optimism. It is a path that will lead Osun to greatness,” Aregbesola remarked. “We must stay committed and attract sincere individuals who are willing to join us on this righteous journey.
“We are open to all, irrespective of political, religious, or cultural backgrounds. We have the strength and political know-how to provide a leadership that will make Osun a model for other states. By God’s grace, we shall succeed.”
The chairman of the group, Azeez Adesiji, called on members to unite in their efforts to restore good governance to Osun.
“Reclaiming Osun is a collective mission. We are committed to accommodating your interests and working together to bring about the change our state needs,” Adesiji affirmed.
“We need your unwavering commitment to our shared vision to ensure we can restore Osun to good governance by 2026.”
The rift between Aregbesola’s faction and the Osun APC leadership has been ongoing since 2021, mainly over disputes regarding the party’s internal structure.
This division played a significant role in the APC’s loss in the 2022 governorship election, where former governor Gboyega Oyetola was defeated by Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Aregbesola’s faction, which had refused to support the party during the 2022 election, remains a subject of speculation about potential future alliances.
As the 2026 governorship election draws closer, there are ongoing discussions about whether the Omoluabi Progressives will align with the PDP or seek another route to achieve their goals.
