Politics
Osun 2026: Aregbesola’s Group Dumps APC Over Leadership Crisis, Expulsions
The Omoluabi Progressives, a political faction led by former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, has formally announced its departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal party crises, ostracisation, and expulsions of its leaders without fair hearing.
The group’s decision, announced in a statement by its Organising and Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, followed a consensus reached during its monthly meeting in Ilesa on Sunday.
Members from all 332 wards in Osun State participated in a voice vote affirming their readiness to align with a new political structure ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Abosede’s statement noted the group’s dissatisfaction with the APC’s handling of intra-party conflicts, which she said contributed to the party’s poor performance in the last election cycle.
In his remarks, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola praised the group’s unity and commitment to its principles of integrity and good governance.
“I am indeed happy that all of you have spoken with one voice… to further raise the level of prosperity of our dear state through responsible leadership,” Aregbesola said. “We are open to all, regardless of political, religious, or socio-cultural leanings. By the grace of God, we shall succeed.”
Aregbesola assured members that efforts to reposition the group for future political engagements were already underway, with results expected soon.
APC Reacts: “Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish”
In response, the Osun State chapter of the APC dismissed the exit as inconsequential, labeling the Omoluabi Progressives a faction of “political gangbangers.”
Chief Kola Olabisi, the APC spokesperson in the state, stated, “In fact, the preposterous announcement of the so-called Omoluabi Progressives to quit the APC is a good riddance to bad rubbish.”
He described the group as a collection of “political vagabonds” and “agents of the PDP in Osun State,” who, according to him, had already detached themselves from the APC since 2022.
“How would any rational human being who has been suspended or expelled announce his resignation to the whole world again? Is that not an example of superfluity?” Olabisi asked rhetorically.
He added that the APC remains stronger and more unified without the dissidents and predicted that the move would mark the “political funeral” of the Omoluabi Progressives in the 2026 governorship election.
Olabisi concluded by asserting that the APC would continue to grow and overcome what he termed “antics of political renegades,” urging party faithful to disregard the developments.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
-
News1 week agoEid: Oseni Calls for Vigilance, Lauds Security Operatives
-
Politics6 days agoAlli, Folarin, Adedeji, Oseni, Dare Named to APC Ekiti Re-election Campaign Team
-
News1 week agoOyo Abduction: SWEGOP Demands Swift Rescue of Pupils, Teachers
-
News1 week agoFG Declares May 27, 28 Public Holidays for Eid-ul-Adha Celebration