The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has responded to the recent announcement by The Omoluabi Progressives, a group aligned with former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, declaring its departure from the party.
In a statement issued Monday, the Osun APC dismissed the announcement, stating it was unbothered by the group’s decision, as they had already distanced themselves from the party since 2022.
Kola Olabisi, Director of Media and Information for Osun APC, called the group’s exit “good riddance to bad rubbish,” adding that the APC had long considered them politically irrelevant.
“We in the Osun APC are happy to be rid of these political irritants, who had already left the party in both body and soul before the 2022 governorship election,” the statement said.
The APC also criticized the group for publicly announcing its resignation, questioning the legitimacy of their move. “How can anyone who was suspended or expelled from the party still claim to be a member? That’s nothing more than redundancy,” the statement continued.
The party accused the Omoluabi Progressives of working against APC’s interests, claiming the group was aligned with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “Their actions show they are agents of the PDP, and the true nature of their betrayal has become clearer over time,” the APC said.
The statement also dismissed the group’s future political prospects. “The recent announcement of their departure or plan to join another party marks the beginning of their political funeral, which will culminate in their defeat in the 2026 governorship election,” it added.
The APC further warned that the group’s supporters would eventually regret their association with what it called “this political sham.”
Meanwhile, The Omoluabi Progressives, in a separate statement released Sunday, confirmed their decision to sever ties with the APC. Signed by Abosede Oluwaseun, the group’s Organising and Publicity Secretary, the statement cited a consensus decision by stakeholders after a meeting in Ilesa. The group claimed their departure followed a resolution ratified by members from the 332 wards of Osun State.
The rift between the APC and Aregbesola’s faction has been brewing for several years, particularly since the fallout during the 2022 gubernatorial election.