Society Gists

by Victor Ojelabi

A few hours ago, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State went to town with a sensational headline announcing the expulsion of former Governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, from the party.

According to the ‘breaking news,’ a letter of expulsion was issued, citing violations of Article 21 of the party’s constitution, which outlines disciplinary actions for members.

The party accused Aregbesola of anti-party activities, including forming the Omoluabi Progressives group, which many APC members believe was created to challenge the party’s leadership.

However, political observers have noted an air of desperation in the Osun APC’s actions, fearing that the party risks total disintegration if it does not resolve its internal crisis before the next governorship election.

The controversy took another twist on Sunday , January 26, 2025, when Omoluabi Progressives formally severed ties with the Osun APC.

Citing a lack of strategic direction to resolve the party’s internal conflict, the group’s Organising and Publicity Secretary, Abosede Oluwaseun, stated that stakeholders reached a consensus to exit the party. This decision was ratified during a meeting in Ilesa, attended by representatives from the 332 wards in Osun.

According to the group, Osun APC’s mismanagement of intra-party crises led to the party’s humiliating defeat in the last election cycle, significantly weakening its influence in the state.

Members were asked to vote on whether to shift allegiance to another political bloc ahead of the 2026 governorship election, and the decision to move forward was overwhelming.

Aregbesola endorsed the decision, declaring it a pivotal step towards good governance in Osun.

Expressing satisfaction with the unity within Omoluabi Progressives, he reiterated their commitment to advancing the state’s prosperity through responsible leadership.

He urged members to attract like-minded individuals willing to join their movement and affirmed that Omoluabi Progressives is open to all, irrespective of political, religious, or socio-cultural affiliations. Confident in their strength and numbers, he assured that the group has the political acumen to make Osun a model state.

The unfolding drama raises a fundamental question: Who severed ties first? Was Aregbesola expelled, or had he already left? The timing of the expulsion has led many to suspect that the Osun APC is attempting damage control, struggling to reclaim relevance after losing key political figures.

Osun APC spokesman, Kola Olabisi, weighed in on the controversy same Monday, dismissing Aregbesola’s announcement as redundant.

In a statement released in Osogbo, he claimed that Aregbesola’s supporters had effectively abandoned the party in 2022. He questioned the logic behind a supposedly expelled member publicly resigning, calling it an act of ‘superfluity.’

If this was so, why release another expulsion statement of expulsion two days later to the same individual?

These contradictory statements expose a leadership in disarray.

On Wednesday evening, the Osun APC released an official statement claiming that its State Executive Committee (SEC) had reviewed the Disciplinary Committee’s findings and resolved to expel Aregbesola.

The statement declared that he had acted against the party’s unity and integrity and must cease identifying as an APC member.

The pressing question remains: How does a party expel someone who has already resigned?

This ongoing confusion within Osun APC underscores the need for intervention from the party’s national leadership. Without decisive action, the APC risks another loss to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2026.

Politics is a game of strategy, yet the inconsistencies in the APC’s statements suggest a party in panic.

Meanwhile, Omoluabi Progressives is gaining traction as a third force as Osun prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial race.

With the stakes higher than ever, the APC cannot afford another defeat, as it could spell the party’s end in Osun and jeopardise President Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election ambitions.

**Ojelabi, a social commentator and journalist, writes from Lagos.