Members of the Omoluabi Progressives, a group loyal to Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, have agreed to quit the All Progressives Congress, APC, GOVIMA learnt.
In a statement signed by Abosede Oluwaseun, the group’s Organising and Publicity Secretary, the decision to pull out of the APC was a consensus by stakeholders after a session ratifying the earlier resolution of members from the 332 wards of Osun at its monthly meeting in Ilesa on Sunday.
Some of the reasons adduced for the resolution, the statement revealed, included ostracisation from the party, suspension and expulsion of the tendency’s leaders without fair hearing, and continuous denigration of the structure, among others.
The statement disclosed that, “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.”
Addressing members of the tendency, immediate-past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola commended them for their commitment and steadfastness to the principles of character, integrity and good governance.
Aregbesola, while affirming the resolution, noted that it was time 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 materialize.
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 a leadership that will make Osun the toast of its peers. By the grace of God, we shall succeed.”
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman, Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji thanked members for their consistency.
Adesiji told the gathering that with the resolve of members to align with a novel political platform, efforts should not be spared to orientate them on the ethos of true progressivism, which is the hallmark of Omoliabi Progressives.
The former council boss, who commended their cooperation in the last 17 months of the existence of the tendency, pledged to continuously provide leadership that protects the interests of members.
“I am happy that meetings are going on across all local government areas of the state, with remarkable progress achieved.
“Reports about turnout and new membership have so far been impressive. Let us continue in this stead.
“For us, the journey to reclaim Osun is a joint task. Be assured that we are ready to always accommodate your interests.
“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,” the Chairman stated.
GOVIMA recalled that The Omoluabi Progressives, a tendency within the Osun APC, was formed immediately after the dissolution of The Osun Progressives, TOP.
TOP, a tendency influenced by Rauf Aregbesola was birthed before the 2022 gubernatorial election in Osun State.
Shortly after the 2022 guber election, TOP was dissolved and it’s leaders called for peace within the Osun APC.
In 2024, the Osun APC expelled top members of the party who were loyal to Aregbesola and later suspended the former Minister from the party.
Shortly after, the Aregbesola tendency formed The Omoluabi Progressives which many political pundits have touted as the third force in the guber election slated for 2026 in the state.
