Cracks in Aregbesola’s Omoluabi Group, as 100 Members, PDP Loyalists Defect to APC in Osun
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
A major setback at the weekend hit former Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led Omoluabi Progressive Group and Peoples Democratic Party as over 100 members officially defected to the All Progressives Congress in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State from Omoluabi ‘s Caucus.
This strategic political realignment which took place at the official reception organized by Ejigbo Local Government APC which held at the weekend in Ilupeju Multipurpose Hall, Ejigbo, Osun State also ushered in scores of PDP loyalists into APC.
Receiving the defectors into the party in their hundreds, the Ejigbo APC Leader, Senator Mudashiru Husain, who promised fairness, inclusivity also noted it was delightful and awe-inspiring \ the party kept heaping more members and increasing its ranks despite being in the opposition in the state.
The frontline gubernatorial aspirant further emphasized the defectors have taken the best political decision because APC remained the only party that has deep connection with social welfarism, economic transformation and human capital development as being exemplified by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, “The unprecedented number of people cross-carpeting from PDP and particularly, Omoluabi Progressive Tendency, is a product of purposeful and collective leadership for which I’ve been pushed forward to spearhead by other Ejigbo progressive leaders as the Apex Leader. Our teamwork has paid off and it’s just starting.”
“Ours in Ejigbo progressive family is to unite ourselves as a strong force behind our leader, former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and ensure we continue to gain more grassroots mobilizers that can put us ahead of other political parties in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election, and especially, for the success of our father, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Senator Husain therefore, urged all the new defectors to be steadfast and dedicated to the progressive ideals, while we remain committed to fairness and inclusivity that benefit all.
He opined that, “On my governorship ambition, we should first know that it’s not a do or die affair and that our party is one with rules of engagement as well as strong leadership. We’ve been doing what’s expected of us as required by the tradition and ideals of our party – consultation, visitation and many close meetings.
“While I can tell you that I’m highly qualified for the top job in terms of leadership experience, loyalty to the progressive tendency and necessary grassroots support base.
“Therefore, I’m optimistic I will be the one to bear the flag of our party and confident to lead APC to victory come 2026 so as to re-write the many wrongs of Governor Ademola Adeleke in government. With this, I can then be able to replicate the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President in Osun”, he concluded.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Ejigbo Local Government, Hon. Ayegbayo Gbolahan, his counterpart from West LCDA, Hon. Olayanju Kolapo and APC Ejigbo LG Chairman, Hon. Lateef Adegoke appreciated the defectors for their thoughtfulness and pledged their unflinching commitment to working tirelessly for the growth of the party ahead of future elections.
Speaking on behalf of Omoluabi defectors, Hon. Wole Olajire said that their return to the mainstream progressive family was hinged on their decision to leave uncertainty for certainty, while declaring their unwavering allegiance to the party through active mobilization for the success of the party in 2026 and beyond.
In his remark the leader of the PDP defectors, Hon. Kareem Mubarak expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling PDP for falling short of internal democracy and good governance, emphasizing that APC remains a party that prioritizes socioeconomic development and quality leadership that benefit all.
