APM Rejects Political Coalition, Warns Nigerians Against Rauf Aregbesola’s Leadership

By Lateef Dada, Osogbo

Osun Party Raises Alarm Over Former Governor’s Political Agenda

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State has issued a strong warning to Nigerians, urging them to reject what it describes as a self-serving political crusade led by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola. The party accuses Aregbesola of financial mismanagement during his tenure and questions his motives in forming a new coalition.

APM Chairman Sounds Warning Bell

Hon. Adewale Adebayo, Chairman of APM in Osun State, released a scathing statement on Sunday, distancing his party from the newly formed coalition. “We are deeply concerned about recent moves by some political actors who at one point or another failed Nigerians when entrusted with leadership positions,” Adebayo stated.

The APM leader emphasized that while coalition-building isn’t inherently wrong, the credibility of those leading such movements must be thoroughly examined. “We must check the personalities and track records of those behind the crusade before subscribing to their beliefs,” he cautioned.

Scathing Critique of Aregbesola’s Record

The statement reserved its harshest criticism for Aregbesola, who served as Osun State governor from 2010 to 2018 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to APM, Aregbesola’s tenure left the state in financial ruin:

• Accumulated over N500 billion in state debt
• Owed civil servants 18 months’ salary arrears
• Failed to properly utilize bailout funds from the Buhari administration
• Constructed 11 mega schools at N16 billion that are now reportedly near collapse
• Mismanaged workers’ pension contributions

“Aregbesola who is now canvassing for better governance nurtured Osun State into a failed state when he served as governor for 8 years,” the statement read.

Questioning Motives Behind New Coalition

The APM accused Aregbesola of political opportunism, suggesting his newfound activism stems from being sidelined by the APC. “Now that he was not given an appointment under that same party he had served in different capacities, Aregbesola wants to use the public to fight the party that once elevated him,” the statement claimed.

The party described the former governor’s education policy as particularly damaging, alleging it “robbed the state of billions of Naira from stakeholders” while failing to deliver quality results.

APM Positions Itself as Alternative

In rejecting the coalition, APM positioned itself as a viable alternative for voters dissatisfied with established parties. “We urge Nigerians not to join the crusade of failed politicians but to join Allied Peoples Movement for the betterment of our state and country,” the statement concluded.

The party’s strong condemnation comes amid growing political realignments ahead of future elections, with various factions seeking to position themselves as credible alternatives to Nigeria’s dominant political parties.

Credit: This report is based on original reporting by The Sun Nigeria.