The Omoluabi Progressives, a political group led by former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, announced over the weekend its decision to sever ties with the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group cited ostracization, suspension, and expulsion of its members without due process, coupled with the mismanagement of Osun APC’s internal crisis, as key reasons for their departure.
The group’s Organizing and Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, disclosed this in a statement following a resolution ratified during their monthly meeting in Ilesa. According to her, stakeholders from all 332 wards across Osun State unanimously agreed to align with a new political camp ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
In her statement, Abosede revealed that the former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, commended the group’s commitment to integrity and good governance. Aregbesola charged them to remain steadfast, stating, “Our journey ahead is to further raise the level of prosperity in our dear state through responsible leadership. We have the numbers, strength, and political acumen to position Osun as a model state.”
Aregbesola assured members of progress in repositioning the movement, adding that their departure from the APC marked the beginning of a renewed drive for good governance in Osun State.
However, the announcement was met with strong criticism from the Osun State APC chapter. The party’s spokesperson, Chief Kola Olabisi, described the Omoluabi Progressives’ exit as “good riddance to bad rubbish.” In a scathing statement, Olabisi referred to the group as “political irritants and deviants” who had long ceased to align with the party’s objectives.
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Olabisi recalled that many members of the group were previously expelled or suspended for anti-party activities and accused them of being agents of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. “You cannot claim to be part of the APC while consistently working against its interests. Their recent announcement to form or join another party is merely the beginning of their political funeral, which will culminate in their final burial through the 2026 governorship election,” Olabisi remarked.
The APC spokesperson maintained that the party remains stronger and more unified, emphasizing that the departure of the Omoluabi Progressives would have no negative impact on the party’s prospects.
As Osun’s political landscape evolves, the departure of the Omoluabi Progressives and their subsequent plans for realignment signal a potential shift in alliances ahead of the next electoral cycle. Whether their departure strengthens or weakens the APC remains to be seen as both camps prepare for the challenges ahead.
