The Omoluabi Progressives, a caucus of loyalists of former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has debunked claims that the group worked against the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2022 governorship election in the state.
Speaking on a radio programme on Monday, the Organising and Publicity Secretary of the group, Abosede Oluwaseun, described as baseless the rumours that Aregbesola and his allies supported Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“We didn’t work for Adeleke in the last governorship election. What they are saying is a lie,” Abosede said.
He noted that key APC figures at the time, including then party chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun, could not even secure victory in their own constituencies.
“Famodun is from Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government, yet APC lost there — both at ward and local government level. The party also lost the entire Ila Federal Constituency,” he pointed out.
“In contrast, in Ilesa East where Aregbesola comes from, APC won — including the Federal Constituency. So how can anyone say we worked against the party?”, he said.
Abosede revealed that Aregbesola’s loyalists were deliberately sidelined by the Oyetola-led APC leadership ahead of the election.
“They issued a directive barring anyone not invited from participating in election activities. None of us was called. They said they didn’t want Aregbesola or his loyalists. That’s why he didn’t participate,” he explained.
He also recounted a violent attack on Aregbesola during his homecoming on 14th February, 2022.
“Despite being a sitting Minister, he was attacked by armed thugs loyal to the APC. Even I was attacked with guns at my own residence. We were also dragged to court,” he said.
Abosede insisted that despite all provocations, the group maintained neutrality. “We didn’t work with PDP then. What happened was that our members split into three directions — some, like Kolapo Alimi, joined PDP, some chose to stay at home, while others still worked for APC.”
He stressed that at no point did Aregbesola or his core loyalists declare support for Adeleke or PDP.
He concluded, “We never came out to say we were working for the opposition. We were simply pushed out and humiliated by the same party we helped to build.”
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
