The Omoluabi Progressives, a faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to former Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has intensified its mobilisation efforts across the state in preparation for the 2026 governorship elections in the state.
The group, led by prominent political figures from Aregbesola’s administration, held a meeting in Osogbo where they outlined strategic plans to reclaim power and welcomed new members from various political parties.
During the event, Muhideen Olateju, a former Special Adviser on Business, Science, and Technology in Osun, and President of the Omoluabi Group in Osogbo Federal Constituency, highlighted the group’s ongoing efforts to reconnect with party leaders and members at the grassroots level.
According to Olateju, the group has been engaging with local government leaders and party members across Osun since last month, and the visits aim to assess 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 emphasized that the Omoluabi faction remains a significant force within the APC in Osun State, despite internal party frictions.
Hon. Wale Alabi, another key figure and former Senior Special Assistant under Aregbesola, spoke on the group’s position within the APC.
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,” Alabi asserted.
Alabi also revealed that the group is experiencing an influx of new members from different political backgrounds. “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 Eleorio Lua faction.”
While speaking, Alhaji Abdulazeez Adesiji, the Chairman of the Omoluabi Group in Osun State outlined the group’s long-term goals, with a clear focus on reclaiming the state government in the 2026 elections.
Adesiji reiterated that the group intends to restore the policies and legacies of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, which they believe significantly improved the lives of Osun residents during his tenure as governor.
“Our objective is to mobilize and strategize for the 2026 elections, ensuring that we capture the state once again. The people of Osun know what Aregbesola’s administration did for them, and we are committed to bringing back those progressive ideals,” Adesiji said.
“He further advised new members of the group to embrace the values of discipline and good character, which are central to the Omoluabi philosophy.
When asked about the group’s specific plans for the future, Adesiji hinted that the 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.”
