The crisis rocking the Osun State branch of the All Progressives Congress has taken a new dimension as the Omoluabi Progressives, a political group led by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, has said its members have resolved to quit the All Progressives Congress.
A statement by the Organising and Publicity Secretary of the group, Oluwaseun Abosede, in Osogbo, stated that the decision to quit APC was the consensus of the stakeholders in the group.
However, in a swift reaction to the move, the party in the state stated that it remains unperturbed over the exit from its fold. According to Osun APC spokesman, Mr. Kola Olabisi, he said Aregbesola’s supporters actually quit the mainstream of the party in 2022.
Abosede of the Omoluabi Progressives said the decision was taken after the group ratified an earlier resolution of members from the 332 wards across Osun State at its monthly meeting held in Ilesa on Sunday.
He said, “Some of the reasons adduced for the resolution include ostracisation from the party, suspension and expulsion of the tendency’s leaders without fair hearing, and continuous denigration of the structure, among others.
They also expressed dissatisfaction with the management of Osun APC’s intra-party crisis, which led to the party’s abysmal loss in the last election cycle, a situation they consented has waned its strength and popularity among the people of Osun.
“The members were put to a voice vote by the leadership of the fold where they affirmed their readiness to switch allegiance to another political camp ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state,” Abosede added.
Addressing the audience at the meeting, the statement noted that the immediate-past Minister of Interior, Aregbesola, commended them for their commitment and steadfastness to the principles of character, integrity and good governance.
He was quoted as saying, “I am indeed happy that all of you have spoken with one voice. It is not just one voice but a united front to lead the way to our collective victory in the journey ahead.
“I wish to remind you that the journey we are embarking on now is to further raise the level of prosperity of our dear state through responsible leadership. The path we have toed is a smooth path, highly reassuring and full of good tides that will propel our dear state to greatness. Therefore, you must show more commitment and attract genuine people who are ready to walk this path of righteousness with us.
“We are open to all, regardless of political, religious, or socio-cultural leanings. We have the numbers, strength, and political acumen to provide leadership that will make Osun the toast of its peers. By the grace of God, we shall succeed.”
Osun APC spokesman, Mr. Kola Olabisi, in his reaction to the announcement to exit APC by the Omoluabi Progressives, said Aregbesola’s supporters actually quit the mainstream of the party in 2022.
Olabisi also remembered that a large number of the Omoluabi Progressives had been either expelled or suspended from the APC and described them as agents of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“The preposterous announcement of the so-called Omoluabi Progressives to quit the APC is a good riddance to bad rubbish.”
