From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
There is fear and apprehension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State as the Omoluabi Progressives, a caucus loyal to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, promised to make its position known concerning the 2026 governorship election in the state.
The Chairman of the Omoluabi group, Alhaji Abdulazeez Adesiji, speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Osogbo over the weekend, outlined the group’s long-term goals, with a clear focus on reclaiming the state government in the 2026 elections.
When asked about the group’s specific plans for the future, Adesiji hinted at major announcements coming in December. “We have a plan, but we are waiting for the right time. By December, we will know the exact direction we are taking.”
A former Special Adviser on Business, Science, and Technology in Osun, and President of the Omoluabi Group in Osogbo Federal Constituency, Muhideen Olateju, highlighted the group’s ongoing efforts to reconnect with party leaders and members at the grassroots level.
He explained that the group has been engaging with local government leaders and party members across Osun since last month, with the visits aimed at assessing the strength and readiness of their supporters ahead of the next political phase.
“We have been moving around all our local governments, checking on party leaders and members to ensure everything is in place. By December, we plan to roll out the next line of action. From what we’ve seen so far, our members are very much intact, and the people of Osun are ready to welcome our party back,” Olateju said.
He further emphasised that the Omoluabi faction remains a significant force within the APC in Osun State, despite internal party frictions.
Former Senior Special Assistant under Aregbesola, Hon. Wale Alabi, noted that the Omoluabi group is not a separate political entity but a loyalist structure within the larger progressive family.
He acknowledged the tension between the faction and other parts of the APC, stating that some within the party have sought to sideline the group, but its loyalty to Aregbesola remains unwavering.
“Omoluabi Progressive is a tendency within the APC, loyal to Aregbesola. While others may not want to see us succeed, we cannot simply wind up because of that. Our loyalty remains, and whatever Aregbesola says, we follow.
“Today, we have members from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and even other APC factions joining us. We’ve seen the collapse of entire structures from Ward 9 of Olorunda Local Government, where the SDP members have aligned with us, and similar defections from the APC’s Ilerioluwa faction,” Alabi said.
