In a dramatic political shift, the Omoluabi Progressives, a faction led by former Osun State Governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has officially severed ties with the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision was announced in a statement signed by the group’s Organising and Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, and made public on Sunday in Osogbo.
The resolution to leave the ruling party was reportedly reached during the group’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilesa. Attended by representatives from all 332 wards across Osun State, the meeting culminated in a unanimous vote to abandon the APC and seek a new political platform ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The Omoluabi Progressives cited a series of grievances as the catalysts for their departure. Among these were claims of marginalization, unjust suspensions, and expulsions of members without due process. The group also accused the APC leadership of sidelining them in party affairs, leading to what they described as the systematic “denigration” of their contributions.
“The APC has consistently failed to address internal crises within its ranks, leaving the party fractured and significantly weakened in Osun State,” the statement read. The group attributed the APC’s dismal performance in recent elections to what they termed a leadership failure, lamenting the erosion of trust and cohesion within the party’s structure.
Addressing the gathering, Aregbesola delivered a scathing critique of the APC, labeling it “a party devoid of a human face.” He commended members of the Omoluabi Progressives for their steadfast commitment to the ideals of integrity, character, and good governance, which he claimed had been trampled upon by the APC’s leadership at both the national and grassroots levels.
Aregbesola’s remarks were laced with sharp rebuke for the APC’s leadership style, which he argued had abandoned the principles of fairness and inclusivity. “The APC has failed not just us but the people it claims to serve. It is time to chart a new course and find a platform that aligns with our values,” he declared, drawing applause from members in attendance.
The Omoluabi Progressives’ departure marks a significant development in Osun State politics, signaling potential shifts ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The group’s exit could deal a blow to the APC’s already dwindling influence in the state, where recent electoral outcomes have highlighted voter dissatisfaction.
Analysts believe that Aregbesola’s stature as a former governor and minister could galvanize support for a new political movement, further fracturing the APC’s base in the region. While the group has not officially announced its next political affiliation, insiders suggest discussions are already underway to align with a party that shares their vision for governance and development.
This move underscores the growing discontent within Nigeria’s political parties, where internal divisions and leadership crises continue to erode unity. As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on Osun State to see how the Omoluabi Progressives’ exit reshapes the dynamics leading up to 2026.
PIONEER NEWS 