Toba Owojaiye reporting
Ileisha, Osun state
The Omoluabi Progressives, a political faction led by former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, has officially announced its withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Truth Live News gathered that this pivotal decision marks the end of a longstanding alliance between Aregbesola and the ruling party, as well as his political benefactor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement released on Sunday by the group’s Organising and Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, the decision was finalized during a monthly meeting held in Ilesa. Stakeholders from all 332 wards in Osun State convened to discuss grievances, including allegations of marginalization, unjust expulsion and suspension of members, and dissatisfaction with the APC’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms.
Rauf Aregbesola, a former Commissioner for Works under Tinubu’s administration as Lagos State Governor, was one of Tinubu’s most trusted allies. Widely regarded as a key figure in Tinubu’s political machinery, Aregbesola rose to prominence under Tinubu’s mentorship. His two-term tenure as Governor of Osun State (2010–2018) was largely credited to Tinubu’s influence and the strong backing of the APC.
However, cracks in their relationship became evident leading up to the 2023 elections. The fallout reportedly stemmed from Aregbesola’s opposition to Gboyega Oyetola, his successor and Tinubu’s cousin, during Oyetola’s re-election campaign for Osun’s governorship in 2022. Aregbesola openly criticized Oyetola’s administration, accusing him of betraying party ideals and sidelining loyal APC members. This public dissent angered Tinubu, who reportedly saw it as a betrayal of party unity and his own leadership.
The rift deepened when Aregbesola’s faction supported Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contributing to Oyetola’s defeat. The loss was a significant blow to the APC in Osun and highlighted the growing divide within the party. Aregbesola’s subsequent sidelining in national politics and the perceived neglect of his supporters further strained the relationship, culminating in the Omoluabi Progressives’ departure from the APC.
At the Ilesa meeting, Aregbesola described the faction’s departure from the APC as the beginning of a new chapter for responsible governance in Osun. He praised members for their resilience and commitment to integrity, character, and good governance.
“Our mission is to enhance the prosperity of our beloved state through accountable governance,” Aregbesola said. “The path we have chosen is promising and filled with opportunities that will elevate Osun to new heights.”
The group announced plans to affiliate with a new political platform ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections. Aregbesola expressed confidence in the Omoluabi Progressives’ ability to attract like-minded individuals, irrespective of political, religious, or socio-cultural backgrounds.
The Omoluabi Progressives’ exit from the APC is expected to have significant political repercussions in Osun State. With Aregbesola’s faction leaving, the APC faces further fragmentation in a state where it has already lost ground to the PDP. The 2026 gubernatorial election will likely see a three-way battle among the APC, PDP, and whichever political platform the Omoluabi Progressives align with.
Aregbesola’s departure also raises questions about Tinubu’s ability to maintain unity within his political network. The fallout could embolden other aggrieved factions within the APC, further complicating Tinubu’s efforts to consolidate power nationally.
For Aregbesola, this move represents an opportunity to reassert his influence in Osun politics. By positioning the Omoluabi Progressives as a credible alternative, he aims to challenge the APC and PDP for dominance in the state. If successful, it could mark the beginning of a broader realignment in Osun’s political landscape.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the political dynamics in Osun are set to shift dramatically, with Aregbesola and his faction poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s future.