Mobolaji Michael
A group loyal to the former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has discounted reports that it has severed ties with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and is now poised to announce a new political party in the coming days.
The report, credited to Kamorudeen Adabanija, stated that both the former minister and his loyalists in the Omoluabi Progressives are no longer members of the APC and are moving to another party.
Aregbesola’s departure from the APC, according to the now disputed report, was sequel to a prolonged period of internal wrangling and disagreements with the immediate past Osun State governor and now-serving minister, Adegboyega Oyetola.
The former governor has been at loggerheads with the party’s leadership in the state, leading to speculation about his future political endeavours.
However, in a swift rebuttal to the report, Abosede Oluwaseun, the Publicity/Organising Secretary of Omoluabi Progressives, comprising Ogbeni Aregbesola loyalties, insists that Kamorudeen Adabanija is not the spokesperson of the group and, as such, not officially authorised to speak or make any declaration on behalf of the tendency.
“It is not the Omoluabi Progressives or Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola that wants to pull out of the APC. It is the other camp that wants our revered leader and members of our caucus out of the party and has declared us personal non-grata, as well as stated that they do not want us in the party anymore with their actions and inactions.
“Our position is clear on the political situation of Osun State and where the tendency is headed. Therefore, it is not correct to preempt the decision of the caucus.
“Those sensationally jumping the gun with misrepresentation and falsehood are plain mischief makers and should be disregarded.
“Omoluabi Progressives will always directly communicate its positions through its official channels and not through any third party.
“We remain committed to promoting the Omoluabi ethos of competence, courage, character, integrity, and our core value of discipline”, Abosede Oluwaseun stated.
Eighteen-Eleven Media