“Osun Politics Intensifies: Aregbesola’s Exit and the Battle for 2026 Governorship”
The expulsion of Rauf Aregbesola and the departure of his Omoluabi group from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have added a new dimension to Osun State’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Though Aregbesola and his supporters have not yet revealed their next political move, members of the APC in Osun State have described the former governor’s exit as long overdue. While Aregbesola has expressed openness to joining any progressive political party, various political parties have already approached him with offers to join their ranks.
One of the parties courting Aregbesola is the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), whose Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, has called on him and his group to join the party to help return Osun to good governance. Despite rumors suggesting that Aregbesola’s Omoluabi group could join the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, group spokesperson Oluwaseun Abosede firmly rejected such speculation. He stated, “To join the PDP? No. Never. We are not considering joining the PDP at all,” adding that the rumors were being spread by APC members.
Abosede clarified that while various political parties, including the NNPP, Labour Party (LP), and PDP, have reached out to them, the Omoluabi group is still undecided about its next steps. He also emphasized that they are not looking to form a “third force,” asserting that the group is too popular and grounded in grassroots politics to be seen as such. “We are the most popular and grassroots-oriented political group in the state. We are the force to be reckoned with,” Abosede declared.
On the other hand, the APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, defended the expulsion of Aregbesola and his supporters, calling it a long-overdue decision. According to Olabisi, Aregbesola and his Omoluabi group had been acting as opposition within the party since 2019, and their departure has cleared the way for the APC to focus on winning back the state in 2026.
Olabisi stated, “The recent announcement of either forming or joining another party is the imminent beginning of your political funeral, which will end up in your final burial through the 2026 governorship election.” He expressed confidence that the APC is growing stronger and will be ready to face any challenges posed by Aregbesola’s faction or other political forces in the coming election.
In contrast, Abosede expressed confidence that the Omoluabi group’s popularity and grassroots support would be pivotal in winning the 2026 governorship election, regardless of the APC’s efforts. “We are a strong force and possibly the strongest in the state. Whatever the two parties (APC and PDP) come up with is inconsequential to the group,” he said.
The PDP’s Director of Publicity, Bamidele Olabamiji, downplayed the significance of Aregbesola’s exit, noting that while Aregbesola is a grassroots politician, the PDP has been successful even when he was in power. He added, “We are indifferent to happenings within the APC. We wish them well, but whatever decision the group decides to take has no effect on us as the ruling political party in the state.”
As for the 2026 race, Governor Ademola Adeleke is expected to seek re-election, but the APC is still grappling with its choice of candidate. There is speculation that the APC may either zone the governorship ticket to Osun-West or hold a competitive primary election. Two prominent candidates for the APC ticket are Dr. Basiru Ajibola, the current National Secretary, and Bola Oyebamiji, a former commissioner for finance under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
It remains uncertain whether Oyetola, who is now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, will attempt to reclaim the governorship position for a second term. If he chooses to run, both Ajibola and Oyebamiji may face a delay in their political aspirations.
With the APC, PDP, and other political groups vying for control of Osun, the 2026 governorship election is shaping up to be a highly competitive and unpredictable contest.
