The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded fiercely to the recent announcement by a faction of former party loyalists under the banner of the Omoluabi Progressives, labeling the move both redundant and laughable. The party insists that the defectors had, in fact, severed ties with the APC years ago, long before their recent public declaration.
In a statement issued by Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, the party dismissed the announcement as “a confused pack of rudderless political vagabonds.” The fiery statement accused the defectors of being disingenuous about their intentions, stating, “How would any rational person who has been expelled or suspended from the party now claim to resign? Is that not superfluous?”
A History of Tensions
The Omoluabi Progressives, a group with ties to former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, have long been at odds with the mainstream APC leadership in the state. The rift reportedly began during the 2022 governorship elections, with accusations that members of the faction worked against the party’s interests.
“You cannot say you are in our party while simultaneously serving the opposition,” Olabisi stated, claiming that the faction has been covertly aiding the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun.
The APC’s statement further characterized the faction’s activities as a betrayal of the party’s ideals. “What we are seeing with hindsight is the hand of Jacob but the voice of Esau,” the statement quipped, implying duplicity on the part of the defectors.
“Good Riddance”
While the defectors’ announcement has sparked conversation in Osun’s political circles, the APC appears unshaken, calling the development a “good riddance to bad rubbish.” Olabisi emphasized that many members of the faction had already been expelled or voluntarily left years ago.
“We are not bothered by the action of these frustrated and expired politicians,” the statement read, labeling the group’s members as political irritants who have lost relevance.
Olabisi went on to predict that the group’s decision to form or join another political party would lead to their political demise. “This marks the beginning of your political funeral, which will end in your final burial during the 2026 governorship election,” he declared.
The Omoluabi Progressives’ Side of the Story
The Omoluabi Progressives, often regarded as Aregbesola’s loyalists, have yet to release a detailed response to the APC’s allegations. However, sources close to the group argue that their departure was a necessary step after years of marginalization and disregard for their contributions to the party.
Political analysts suggest that the group’s move could signal deeper divisions within the APC in Osun State. While the APC leadership insists it is growing stronger, the departure of a notable faction raises questions about internal unity ahead of future elections.
Aregbesola’s Legacy in Focus
The discord between Aregbesola’s camp and the APC leadership highlights the former governor’s complicated legacy in Osun politics. A prominent figure in the state’s political landscape, Aregbesola played a pivotal role in the APC’s successes during his tenure as governor from 2010 to 2018.
However, his influence began to wane following a series of political missteps and disagreements with his successor, Gboyega Oyetola. The fallout culminated in the APC’s loss of the governorship to the PDP in 2022, a result many attributed to internal sabotage.
Osun APC’s Future Outlook
Despite the internal conflicts, the Osun APC remains confident in its ability to regroup and reclaim power in the state. Olabisi highlighted the party’s determination to focus on its goals and move past the distraction posed by the defectors.
“Our party is waxing stronger by the day,” he said, assuring supporters that the APC would emerge victorious in future elections.
He concluded with a cryptic warning to the Omoluabi Progressives, likening their political trajectory to a cautionary tale: “Whoever wants to bury his elder brother nakedly should take along his younger brother to show him how he too will be buried.”
Reactions and Implications
Political observers have noted the drama surrounding the announcement with keen interest. While the APC’s dismissal of the Omoluabi Progressives’ departure may seem confident, questions linger about the party’s ability to heal its internal divisions.
For now, the spotlight remains on both sides as they navigate the fallout from years of animosity. Whether the APC can consolidate its position in Osun or whether the defectors can build a viable alternative will be tested in the run-up to the 2026 governorship election.
As the drama unfolds, one thing is certain: Osun’s political landscape remains as unpredictable as ever.
