Aregbesola’s Group Quits APC, Cites Expulsion and Suspension of Members

The Omoluabi Progressives, a political faction led by former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has officially announced its departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision, which was unanimously agreed upon during the group’s monthly meeting held in Ilesa on Sunday, marks a significant turning point in the state’s political landscape. According to a statement by the group’s Organising and Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, the move was motivated by grievances over exclusion, suspension, and expulsion of the group’s leaders without due process, as well as dissatisfaction with the handling of intra-party conflicts within the Osun APC.

“The ostracisation of our members, coupled with the unfair suspension and expulsion of our leaders, and the continuous denigration of our structure within the APC, left us with no choice. The party’s poor management of internal crises also contributed to its loss of popularity and strength in Osun,” Abosede stated.

During the meeting, members across the 332 wards of Osun State ratified the resolution, affirming their readiness to align with a new political platform ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Addressing members, Aregbesola expressed gratitude for their commitment to the group’s principles of integrity, character, and good governance. He called on them to remain steadfast as they embark on a new political journey.

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“I am proud of the unity and commitment you have demonstrated. Our mission is clear: to lead Osun State toward prosperity through responsible and visionary leadership,” Aregbesola said.

He also assured members that efforts to reposition the group for future success were ongoing, adding, “We have the numbers, the strength, and the political acumen to achieve greatness for Osun. By God’s grace, we will succeed.”

The group’s exit from the APC follows years of internal discord within the party, which many blame for the party’s loss in the 2022 Osun governorship election. The fallout between Aregbesola and his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, divided the party into factions, with Aregbesola’s camp refusing to back Oyetola’s re-election bid.

This division also reflects broader tensions within the APC, as Aregbesola, once a loyal ally of President Bola Tinubu, appears to have distanced himself from the party’s national leadership.

The departure of the Omoluabi Progressives raises questions about the APC’s future in Osun State as the 2026 elections approach, potentially reshaping the state’s political dynamics.