Aregbesola: Osun APC, PDP in war of words

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
As Osun politics is heating up ahead of 2026, Aregbesola’s exit is a major shake-up for the APC, especially since he still commands large supporters loyal to him.
The big question now is where he and his supporters will land—will they form a new party, join another opposition group, or go independent?
However the APC chapter in the state has described the defection as “good riddance” could be a sign of confidence, but losing 100,000 supporters isn’t a small matter.
On the contrary the PDP seems to be playing safe, not claiming responsibility but leaving the door open for Aregbesola to come in
The ruling People’s Democratic Party has and the major opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun State continues to lock horns following a massive defection of APC members political tension has hightenal in the past few days in the state.
While the APC accused the ruling party of being responsible for the exit of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his loyalists, the PDP were of the opinion that “Aregbesola“ exit was caused by the party unresolved crises rocking the it .
PDP has urged the APC to take responsibility for its internal issues that caused a mass deflection of their members who are not comfortable with management of party ‘s affair in the state .
Consequently ahead of the 2026 governorship election,Aregbesola and his followers, operating under the political group Omoluabi Progressives had announced their decision to leave the APC in a consensus vote during a meeting with various stakeholders.
A statement issued by the group’s Organizing and Publicity Secretary, Abosede Oluwaseun stated that the resolution was ratified by stakeholders across the 332 wards in Osun.
Oluwaseun cited various reasons for their departure, including exclusion from party affairs, suspension and expulsion of their leaders without fair hearing, and continued disregard for their political structure.
The crisis within the Osun APC worsened after the party’s defeat in the 2022 governorship election. The APC accused Aregbesola and his supporters of betraying its candidate, Gboyega Oyetola—now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy—by allegedly working for PDP candidate Ademola Adeleke. The APC leadership responded by expelling or suspending numerous members associated with Aregbesola.During Omoluabi Caucus Progressives
The group subsequently resolved to align with another political platform ahead of the 2026 elections, though they have yet to announce their next move.
Addressing members, Aregbesola reaffirmed the group’s commitment to its principles of integrity and good governance. He encouraged them to remain steadfast and attract like-minded individuals to their cause.
“We are embarking on a journey to elevate the prosperity of our dear state through responsible leadership. The path we have chosen is smooth, reassuring, and full of opportunities that will propel Osun to greatness,” Aregbesola stated.
“We are open to all, regardless of political, religious, or socio-cultural backgrounds. We have the numbers, strength, and political experience to provide leadership that will make Osun the pride of its peers.”
Reacting the Osun chapter of APC in the state dismissed Omoluabi Progressives as insignificant, calling them “agents” of PDP.
The Party’s spokesman Kola Olabisi argued that Aregbesola’s supporters had already abandoned the APC in 2022 when they allegedly worked against Oyetola. He described their official exit as “good riddance to bad rubbish,” adding that the APC would not miss them.
Olabisi accused the defectors of being “a confused pack of rudderless politicians” who had already been suspended or expelled but were now announcing their departure as if they were still members. He insisted that their exit marked the beginning of their “political funeral” and that their efforts to destabilize the APC had failed.
The Osun PDP however distanced itself from Aregbesola’s defection.
The PDP spokesperson Oladele Bamiji blamed the APC for failing to manage its crisis and cautioned against associating the ruling party with the APC’s internal struggles.
“We should not take the blame for APC’s failure to manage their party issues. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is a significant figure in Osun politics, and the APC should have been able to resolve any issues with him,” Bamiji said. “The PDP has nothing to do with their crisis. If Aregbesola and his group want to join us, they are mature enough to make that decision publicly.”
While dismissing the APC’s claims, Bamiji emphasised that the PDP remained open to welcoming Aregbesola and his followers should they decide to join forces with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. He described the APC’s declining numbers as an advantage for the PDP ahead of the 2026 election.
Speaking with our correspondent Oluomo Sunday Akere, former Commissioner of Information and Strategy and former Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Oyetola said Aregbesola group has left the party long ago so their announced is not sudden.’ Therefore their exit is good riddance to bad rubbish as we aren’t going to feel their exit. Rather the party will be better strengthened, focused and positioned for victory in 2026.’
He insisted that the Aregbesola left the party before the 2022 Governorship election and worked for the PDP and adequately compensated with positions in the government.
” We are not going to miss them and their exit will not be felt. They have all along constituted distraction in the party and the open announcement of their exit will make those being deceived to realize they didn’t mean well
In his part Alh. Abayomi Adegoke (Yomex), a PDP Stalwart from Iragbiji, Osun State said the Aregbesola decision was duly processed.
“I’m not an APC member, I’m a strong PDP member and stakeholder. But my observation with a kin interest as some one that follows any development in political Arena, made me to know that Aregbesola exited the party by himself and his choice, a decision which was not taking in hurry. It was taking by their Caucus
“There’s no doubt that it will affect the APC in 2026 because the people that we know in ACN that fought for emergency of Aregbesola in AC which transform to ACN and now APC are still with him.
Also Hon. Jamiu Olawumi, Former Special Adviser on Education to Oyetola said Ogbeni Aregbesola has not left a vacuum since he had ceased functioning as a party leader in 2021 when he abstained from our activities
He said Aregbesola has became a destabilising factor condemning our government’s activities. He publicly encouraged the activities of the opposition and has been acknowledged by the PDP government of Sen Ademola Adeleke as being instrumental to his success at poll.
” We see a relief coming to the party since his subterfuge will no longer hunt the party and his followers who have taken appointments in PDP regime are now unmasked as unfaithful characters to the course of APC as political party.
The Omoluabi Progressives spokesman Abosede Oluwaseun who spoke in an interview hinted that over 100,000 members had left the APC but insisted they would not be joining the PDP.
He stated that the group was in the final stages of deciding on a new political platform and would make an official announcement soon.
“The registered members of Omoluabi Progressives who have identified with us are around 100,000 across Osun’s 332 wards. These are people who have physically registered with us, excluding others in rural areas who couldn’t come out to register,” Oluwaseun stated. “We are not joining the PDP, as some have speculated. We have our own values and vision for governance. In a few days, we will reveal our next political move.”
The group’s chairman, Azeez Adesiji, reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals of true progressivism. He praised members for their dedication and promised leadership that would protect their interests.
“For us, reclaiming Osun is a collective task,” Adesiji said. “We want your continued commitment to our ideals so that together, we can restore Osun to good governance in 2026.”
Aregbesola’s political faction has struggled for control within the APC since the party’s 2022 electoral loss. After initially forming The Osun Progressives (TOP), they rebranded as Omoluabi Progressives with the goal of reforming the APC. However, their efforts were met with resistance from the party’s mainstream, led by Oyetola, culminating in their eventual suspension and defection.
Sources suggest that Aregbesola’s group may announce their new political affiliation before the February 22 local government elections in Osun.
On whether Aregbesola remain relevant in political situation in osun state would be determined when times comes . While it is not cristal clear the direction the former minister of interior is going.but his departure has continued to give both APC and PDP sleepiness night .
It is to be noted that Aregbesola was a factor that helped the present Governor Ademola Adeleke to win win Election against APC with Alhaji gboyega Oyetola.