Political Shake-Up in Osun: Aregbesola’s Expulsion and Omoluabi Progressives’ Departure Spark Controversy

The political scene in Osun State has been rocked by the recent expulsion of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the exit of the Omoluabi Progressives from the party. These developments have stirred a mix of emotions among residents, raising questions about the future of governance and political stability in the state.

A Divided Response from the Public

The reactions to Aregbesola’s ousting and the Omoluabi Progressives’ departure reveal a community split between optimism and concern. For some, these changes signal a necessary shift in the political landscape, while others fear the implications for stability and governance.

Adebayo Olatunji, a civil servant based in Osogbo, reflected on the long-standing tensions within the APC. “This has been brewing for years. The internal conflicts were evident, and it is no surprise they have finally parted ways. The faction’s departure was inevitable due to prolonged internal strife,” he noted. His perspective resonates with many who believe that the discord had become untenable.

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Conversely, there are voices of worry among residents about the potential fallout from these political upheavals. Funke Adeyemi, a market trader in Ayegbaju, expressed her concerns about how political disputes could trickle down to affect everyday life. “I’m worried about what this means for us. Political fights often trickle down to affect the common people. There are concerns that political discord could disrupt governance and economic activities,” she stated.

APC’s Reaction: Dismissive or Defensive?

The APC’s official stance on the departure of the Omoluabi Progressives has been far from conciliatory. Kola Olabisi, the party’s Director of Media and Information in Osun State, dismissed the group’s exit as “good riddance to bad rubbish,” suggesting that their absence would have little impact on the party’s operations.

However, the narrative from Aregbesola’s supporters is markedly different. Many argue that the expulsion undermines the legacy of a leader who was instrumental in establishing the APC’s presence in Osun State. Tunde Bakare, a student, lamented, “Aregbesola’s efforts built this party here. It is disheartening to see him treated this way. Many of us feel loyalty should be acknowledged and respected.” This sentiment highlights the deep-rooted loyalty some still feel towards Aregbesola, complicating the party’s internal dynamics.

The reasons cited for Aregbesola’s expulsion revolve around alleged anti-party activities. Yet, many residents perceive this move as a strategic effort to eliminate opposition and consolidate power within the party. Political analyst Kehinde Afolabi commented, “It is politics as usual. Eliminate threats to maintain control.” This perspective suggests that the internal strife within the APC is not merely a matter of personal grievances but a broader struggle for power.

Future Political Alignments and Challenges Ahead

In light of these developments, the Omoluabi Progressives have announced their intention to realign politically in preparation for the 2026 governorship election. Aregbesola, addressing his supporters before officially leaving the APC, emphasized the need for responsible leadership to elevate Osun State. “We have the numbers, strength, and political acumen to provide leadership that will make Osun the toast of its peers,” he declared.

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This bold statement has been met with a mix of optimism and skepticism. Some residents are hopeful for a revitalized political movement focused on good governance, while others doubt the feasibility of such ambitions given the current political climate. The internal conflicts within the APC have not gone unnoticed, with many believing these disputes have weakened the party’s influence in Osun State. Bimpe Oladipo, a school teacher in Ede, remarked, “The infighting has weakened the party’s standing. They need to resolve their issues to regain trust.”

On a more optimistic note, some residents believe that the departure of dissenting factions could pave the way for a more unified and effective party structure. “Without the constant bickering, maybe the APC can focus better on governance,” suggested Sola Adekunle, a business owner in Ife.

Meanwhile, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has remained relatively silent on these developments but has extended an invitation to the Omoluabi Progressives to join its ranks. Political observers speculate that the PDP may look to capitalize on the APC’s internal turmoil to strengthen its position in the state.

As Osun State navigates this turbulent political landscape, the outcomes of these events will likely shape the future of governance and political engagement in the region.