The Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has declared its readiness to welcome former governor Rauf Aregbesola and his supporters as the state gears up for the 2026 governorship election. Aregbesola, along with his Omoluabi Progressives group, formally announced their departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday, citing several grievances, including ostracism, suspensions, and the denigration of their leadership by the APC.
In a statement released by its Organising Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, the Omoluabi Progressives explained their reasons for leaving the ruling party. These included the unjust treatment of their leaders and the failure to give them a fair hearing. The group also expressed its desire to align with a party that shares its progressive ideology, one that would help elevate Osun to a leading state in Nigeria.
Responding to the development, Osun NNPP Chairman, Tosin Odeyemi, welcomed the opportunity to have Aregbesola and his supporters join their party. In a statement obtained in Osogbo, Odeyemi emphasized that NNPP has consistently demonstrated its commitment to good governance and pro-people policies, with the leadership of Abba Kabir Yusuf, the current Governor of Kano State, serving as a prime example.
“Ogbene Aregbesola’s influence in Osun’s political landscape is undeniable,” Odeyemi said. “His contributions to the state’s development are significant, and the mainstream APC’s attempts to distance themselves from him following their loss in the 2022 governorship election only highlight the valuable role he plays in the state.”
Odeyemi went on to state that Aregbesola’s political experience would be a valuable asset to NNPP, especially as the state faces challenges in the aftermath of the 2022 election. “We are in a political quagmire, and we need a positive force to help reclaim Osun. Aregbesola’s presence in NNPP will strengthen our chances in the 2027 general elections,” he added.
He further appealed to Aregbesola and his supporters, saying, “Our ideas align. We share a common goal of improving the lives of the masses and ensuring their comfort. Together, we can make Osun a prosperous state by 2026, and history will be kind to us.”
Odeyemi concluded by extending a warm invitation to Aregbesola and his group to join NNPP, reinforcing the party’s commitment to a bright future for Osun.