In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Osun State, former governor Rauf Aregbesola has declared that his political group, the Omoluabi Progressives, is open to collaboration with all political parties. This statement comes after the caucus’ contentious departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party Aregbesola once belonged to for years.
Speaking to members of his faction, Aregbesola emphasized that the Omoluabi Progressives have the numbers, influence, and resolve to engage in productive collaborations, whether political, religious, or socio-cultural. The move signals a new chapter in his political journey, with the intention of forming strategic alliances that could reshape the state’s governance.
“We are ready to collaborate with any group or political party that shares our vision of a prosperous and democratic Osun State,” Aregbesola remarked in a statement released by the group’s Organising and Publicity Secretary. “We are not just looking for partnerships; we are seeking to build a new, more inclusive political platform that works for the people of Osun.”
The Break with APC: A Strategic Decision
Aregbesola’s decision to part ways with the APC is not one made in haste. The group’s leaders, according to sources close to the Omoluabi Progressives, felt sidelined and marginalized within the party. Their grievances ranged from the suspension and expulsion of key figures without due process to the systematic undermining of their contributions to the APC in the state. This sense of alienation within the party is said to have culminated in the group’s public announcement that they were no longer aligned with the APC.
The statement issued by Omoluabi Progressives highlighted several concerns, including the lack of a fair hearing for suspended members and the continuous denigration of the group’s structure. These issues, Aregbesola stated, made it clear that the political party no longer represented their vision for Osun’s development.
“For too long, we were treated as outsiders in our own political home. Our principles of integrity, character, and good governance were disregarded,” Aregbesola stated. “We could no longer remain in a party that does not uphold the values we stand for.”
A Vision for Good Governance in Osun
As the Omoluabi Progressives seek new partnerships, Aregbesola’s focus remains on his vision for good governance in Osun State. He has long championed efforts to reform the state’s political and economic systems, pushing for more transparent leadership and better public service delivery.
Addressing a crowd of supporters, Aregbesola reassured them that their commitment to the cause would not be in vain. “This is a time to redouble our efforts, to work together for the success of our cause. We will not rest until we see the vision of Omoluabi Progressives firmly entrenched in the political fabric of Osun State,” he declared.
The group’s core philosophy centers around creating a political environment that emphasizes integrity, social welfare, and economic sustainability. In his remarks, Aregbesola made it clear that despite their departure from the APC, the Omoluabi Progressives are committed to ensuring that Osun’s people enjoy better governance, free from the divisions and infighting that have plagued the state in recent years.
Political Context: The Power Struggle in Osun
The situation in Osun State is part of a broader political struggle that has seen various factions within the APC clash over power. Aregbesola’s exit is not an isolated incident; it is part of a growing trend of political fragmentation in the state. With the recent election of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the political climate has been fraught with tensions between factions within the APC, including those loyal to Aregbesola and the camp of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, who succeeded him.
The political climate in Osun has been particularly charged since Adeleke’s victory, which some analysts suggest could shift the balance of power in the state. Aregbesola’s call for political collaboration may be a strategic response to these shifting dynamics, aiming to consolidate forces that could challenge the dominance of the current administration.
“I am not leaving the APC to start a personal ambition,” Aregbesola noted. “I am doing this because I believe that Osun deserves better, and I am ready to work with all who share this dream.”
Implications for the APC and Osun’s Political Future
Aregbesola’s departure from the APC could have significant implications for the party in Osun State. The Omoluabi Progressives, under his leadership, are seen as a formidable force with deep roots in the state’s political landscape. Their withdrawal from the APC means that the party has lost a major bloc of support, particularly among traditional voters who were loyal to Aregbesola during his tenure as governor.
The potential for cross-party alliances could also have a major impact on the state’s future political direction. Aregbesola’s openness to collaboration suggests that he is willing to play a pivotal role in shaping Osun’s political future, whether by joining forces with existing political entities or by creating a new political structure entirely.
Political analysts are closely watching these developments. “Aregbesola’s exit from the APC signals a shift in the political dynamics of Osun State,” said a local political analyst. “The Omoluabi Progressives’ call for collaboration could open new avenues for political alliances, especially with Governor Adeleke’s camp and other stakeholders who may seek to challenge the APC’s traditional stronghold.”
