Indications have emerged that former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and his followers may be on their way to joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This development follows the announcement by Aregbesola’s caucus, the Omoluabi Progressives, in the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC), of their resignation from the party due to alleged exclusion from party affairs.
Abosede Oluwaseun, spokesperson for the group, stated that members unanimously agreed to quit the APC because of “ostracisation from the party, suspension and expulsion of leaders without fair hearing, and continuous denigration of the structure.”
A ranking member of the SDP in Lagos, who spoke to TheWest newspaper on conditions of anonymity, revealed that the former Governor of Osun State is on the verge of declaring his membership of the SDP, which is being considered as the new platform for the Omoluabi Progressives.
The SDP leader, however, expressed reservations about Aregbesola’s potential membership, stating, “Although the party will be happy to receive more people into its fold, Aregbe[sola] is not a good fit for the SDP. I wonder why the SDP is harboring all these betrayers from the ruling APC. Our focus should be on attracting bigwigs from the PDP and Labour Party, respectively.”
The Omoluabi Progressives, led by Aregbesola, have been embroiled in a prolonged conflict with the Osun State chapter of the APC over the party’s leadership structure. This internal rift has created widening divisions within the party, undermining its unity and effectiveness.
The division was widely acknowledged as a key factor in the party’s defeat during the 2022 governorship election. The infighting and lack of cohesion among party members disrupted campaign efforts and weakened public trust in the party’s ability to govern.
In a related development, some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believe that Aregbesola and his group may instead join the PDP in Osun. Those who claim to have insider knowledge suggest that Governor Ademola Adeleke has opened the door to welcome Aregbesola and the Omoluabi Progressives into the PDP fold.
A former PDP chieftain in Osogbo stated, “Why do we still doubt? Aregbesola is coming to the PDP! Have we not seen the relationship between him and Governor Adéleké? Isn’t that enough proof that Oranmiyan (Aregbesola’s sobriquet) is leading his followers to the ruling party in Osun State?”
When pressed to confirm whether there have been any formal meetings between Aregbesola’s group and the PDP regarding their potential defection, the Iree-born politician simply said, “He who is expecting a wife need not strain his neck. We shall see in the coming days.”
