Aregbesola Loyalists Exit APC, Form New Political Force Ahead of 2026 Osun Governorship
Members of the Omoluabi Progressives, a political group loyal to former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, have decided to part ways with the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a major shift in the state’s political dynamics ahead of the 2026 governorship elections.
In a statement issued by the group’s Organizing and Publicity Secretary, Abosede Oluwaseun, the decision to leave APC was reached after a consensus during a meeting in Ilesa on Sunday. The meeting was attended by members from all 332 wards of Osun, and it ratified the group’s earlier resolutions. The reasons for the move included alleged marginalization within the APC, unfair suspensions and expulsions of their leaders, and the consistent undermining of their political structure.
The group also voiced its dissatisfaction with the APC’s handling of internal conflicts, which they believe led to the party’s disastrous performance in the previous elections and weakened its support base among Osun residents. In a vote taken at the meeting, members affirmed their readiness to align with another political faction in preparation for the upcoming 2026 governorship race.
Addressing the gathering, Aregbesola commended the group for their loyalty and commitment to principles of integrity, good governance, and progressivism. He expressed confidence in the group’s potential, stating that their unity and dedication would drive the political movement toward success. Aregbesola emphasized that the time had come to work aggressively toward creating a governance system that would ensure prosperity for Osun.
“We must work together, remain united, and show more commitment to our cause,” Aregbesola urged. “The journey we are embarking on is one to raise the level of prosperity in Osun. Together, we will take Osun to greater heights.”
The group’s chairman, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, also expressed his gratitude to the members for their unwavering support. He highlighted the significant progress the group had made in the past 17 months and assured them of continued leadership that would safeguard their interests.
Adesiji stressed that the efforts to reposition Omoluabi Progressives as a strong political force would continue, urging the members to remain committed to their ideals and goals. The group has already begun organizing in various local government areas, and reports indicate impressive membership turnout.
The Omoluabi Progressives emerged following the dissolution of The Osun Progressives (TOP), another faction within the APC that Aregbesola had led. After the 2022 gubernatorial election, TOP dissolved, and its leaders called for peace within the APC. However, tensions resurfaced when the Osun APC expelled top Aregbesola loyalists in 2024 and subsequently suspended Aregbesola himself. This action prompted the formation of Omoluabi Progressives, which many political analysts view as a formidable third force in Osun’s politics, especially with the 2026 governorship election on the horizon.
As the political climate in Osun heats up, all eyes are now on the Omoluabi Progressives as they chart a new path in the state’s political landscape.
