APC expels Rauf Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities

Rauf Aregbesola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expelled Rauf Aregbesola, former minister of interior and ex-governor of Osun State, citing allegations of anti-party activities.

Mr Aregbesola, who governed Osun State for two terms from 2010 to 2018, had been at the centre of a factional dispute within the APC. He spearheads a group known as The Osun Progressives, which was later rebranded as the Omoluabi Caucus.

APC confirmed his expulsion in a letter made available Wednesday and signed by the party leadership.

Titled “Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You,” the letter accused Aregbesola of breaching Article 21 of the party’s constitution, which outlines disciplinary measures for erring members.

The letter read in part: “At the end of the investigation, the State Executive Committee (SEC) considered the report of the Disciplinary Committee. Having carefully reviewed the findings and recommendations, the SEC resolved to approve your immediate expulsion from the APC.

“The decision was predicated on clear evidence of your actions, which undermined the unity and integrity of the party. As a result, you are no longer a member of the APC and must refrain from holding yourself out as one or acting on behalf of the party in any capacity.”

Aregbesola’s expulsion coincides with the decision of his Omoluabi Progressives to formally quit the APC. During a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilesa, Osun State, on Sunday, members of the group announced their departure, citing alleged marginalisation, suspension of leaders without fair hearing and the party’s waning influence in the state.

The group’s spokesperson, Abosede Oluwaseun, said members were prepared to align with another political platform ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.

Speaking at the meeting, Aregbesola emphasised the need for renewed efforts to entrench good governance in Osun State.

“We are open to all regardless of political, religious, or socio-cultural leanings. We have the numbers, strength, and political acumen to provide leadership that will make Osun the toast of its peers,” he stated.

Following the exit of the Omoluabi Progressives, the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) extended an invitation to Aregbesola and his supporters. PDP’s director of media and publicity, Oladele Bamiji, described Aregbesola as a significant figure in Osun’s political landscape, adding that his influence cannot be ignored.

“The PDP is open to all progressives who seek inclusivity and good governance. Politics is a game of numbers, and we are interested in working with anyone who shares our vision for Osun State,” Bamiji said.

Aregbesola’s strained relationship with the Osun APC leadership has been ongoing since 2021, contributing to the party’s loss in the 2022 governorship election. Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, backed by the APC, was defeated by Ademola Adeleke of the PDP, a loss attributed to the factional divide.

As the political dynamics in Osun continue to unfold, analysts are closely monitoring the next moves of Aregbesola and his faction, with speculations mounting about their potential alliances ahead of the 2026 governorship election.