•Ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola
The Omoluabi Progressives, a political group led by ex-Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has said its members have resolved to quit the All Progressives Congress.
A statement signed by the Organising and Publicity Secretary, Omoluabi Progressives, Oluwaseun Abosede, obtained in Osogbo, stated that the decision to quit APC was the consensus of the stakeholders in the group.
Abosede said the decision was taken after the group ratified an earlier resolution of members from the 332 wards across Osun State at its monthly meeting held in Ilesa yesterday.
“Some of the reasons adduced for the resolution include ostracisation from the party, suspension and expulsion of the tendency’s leaders without fair hearing, and continuous denigration of the structure, among others.
“They also expressed dissatisfaction with the management of Osun APC’s intra-party crisis, which led to the party’s abysmal loss in the last election cycle, a situation they consented has waned its strength and popularity among the people of Osun.
“The members were put to a voice vote by the leadership of the fold where they affirmed their readiness to switch allegiance to another political camp ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state,” Abosede’s statement read in parts.
Addressing the audience at the meeting, the statement noted that the immediate-past Minister of Interior, Aregbesola, commended them for their commitment and steadfastness to the principles of character, integrity and good governance.
Aregbesola, while commenting on the resolution to quit APC, noted that the time had come for the members to work aggressively for the success of Omoluabi Progressives and its vision to entrench good governance in Osun.
He also assured that in no distant time, the results of ongoing efforts by the leadership of the tendency to properly position it for the task ahead would materialise.
Aregbesola said, “I am indeed happy that all of you have spoken with one voice. It is not just one voice but a united front to lead the way to our collective victory in the journey ahead.
“I wish to remind you that the journey we are embarking on now is to further raise the level of prosperity of our dear state through responsible leadership. The path we have toed is a smooth path, highly reassuring and full of good tides that will propel our dear state to greatness. 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 leadership that will make Osun the toast of its peers. By the grace of God, we shall succeed.”
Yesterday’s development marks the crescendo of the internal crisis that has rocked the Osun APC for years. The factionalisation of the Osun APC has been blamed on the reason ex-governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, lost his re-election bid in 2022, as the Aregbesola’s group did not support him. Oyetola has the backing of President Bola Tinubu, whereas, Aregbesola, an erstwhile strong Tinubu loyalist, appears to have fallen out with the APC national leader.
