by Godwin Orozo
Rauf Aregbesola, the former Minister of Interior and ex-governor of Osun State, has been expelled from the All Progressives Congress (APC). This expulsion follows the recent launch of his new political group, the ‘Omoluabi Progressives,’ with its membership registration starting in his ward over the past weekend.
In a communique signed by Osun State APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, the party officially distanced itself from Aregbesola, emphasizing that he is no longer a member of the APC. The statement also warned members against joining Aregbesola’s group, which is not recognized by the APC in Osun State. The party leadership indicated that it had notified the national secretariat multiple times to take action against Aregbesola due to his disruptive influence on the party.
The emergence of the ‘Omoluabi Progressives’ is seen by some as a potential precursor to a new political strategy by Aregbesola to influence the selection of the next governor of Osun State. His new group has criticized the APC for its alleged political missteps, which they claim led to the party losing power to the opposition.
Aregbesola and his followers notably did not support the re-election bid of his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, in 2019. Oyetola, backed by President Bola Tinubu, ultimately lost the gubernatorial election to Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite this loss, Oyetola remains a dominant figure within the Osun State APC, restricting Aregbesola’s influence within the party.
The launch of the Omoluabi Progressives has revitalized Aregbesola’s political presence in the state, with the group’s membership drive enhancing his standing. However, Aregbesola has yet to publicly renounce his APC membership.
