₦airaland Forum

Scores of members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led Omoluabi Progressive Group have abandoned their respective political platforms and pitched tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection and welcoming ceremony of the defectors were held in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State at the weekend.

Receiving the defectors into the party in their hundreds at the official reception organised by Ejigbo APC, which held in Ilupeju Multipurpose Hall, Ejigbo, the Ejigbo APC apex leader, Senator Mudashiru Husain, promised fairness and inclusivity, expressing delight that despite the APC being in opposition, its membership has continued to expand ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Husain, who is jostling for the ticket of the APC for the next year’s gubernatorial poll, further emphasised that the defectors have taken the best political decision because APC remained the only party that has deep connection with social welfarism, economic transformation, and human capital development as being exemplified by President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “The unprecedented number of people cross-carpeting from PDP and particularly, Omoluabi Progressive Tendency, is a product of purposeful and collective leadership for which I have been pushed forward to spearhead by other Ejigbo progressive leaders as the Apex Leader. Our teamwork has paid off and it’s just starting.”


He disclosed that the mission of the opposition party is to continue gaining more grassroots mobilisers that can put it ahead of other political parties in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election, and especially, for the success of Tinubu’s administration.

Senator Husain, therefore, urged all the new defectors to be steadfast and dedicated to the progressive ideals, while we remain committed to fairness and inclusivity that benefit all.

Speaking on his intention of governing the state, Husain said, “On my governorship ambition, we should first know that it’s not a do-or-die affair and that our party is one with rules of engagement as well as strong leadership. We’ve been doing what’s expected of us as required by the tradition and ideals of our party – consultation, visitation, and many close meetings. While I can tell you that I’m highly qualified for the top job in terms of leadership experience, loyalty to the progressive tendency, and necessary grassroots support base.”

“Therefore, I’m optimistic I will be the one to bear the flag of our party and confident to lead APC to victory come 2026 so as to re-write the many wrongs of Governor Ademola Adeleke in government. With this, I can then be able to replicate the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President in Osun.”

In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Ejigbo Local Government, Hon. Ayegbayo Gbolahan, his counterpart from West LCDA, Hon. Olayanju Kolapo, and APC Ejigbo LG Chairman, Hon. Lateef Adegoke, appreciated the defectors for their thoughtfulness and pledged their unflinching commitment to working tirelessly for the growth of the party ahead of future elections.

Speaking on behalf of Omoluabi defectors, Hon. Wole Olajire said that their return to the mainstream progressive family was hinged on their decision to leave uncertainty for certainty, while declaring their unwavering allegiance to the party through active mobilisation for the success of the party in 2026 and beyond.

In his remark, the leader of the PDP defectors, Hon. Kareem Mubarak, expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling PDP for falling short of internal democracy and good governance, emphasizing that APC remains a party that prioritizes socioeconomic development and quality leadership that benefit all.

Politicstoday:
https://guardian.ng/news/pdp-members-aregbesolas-loyalists-join-apc-in-osun/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLPAVFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkAswJZ-BOoEf9lKvbTP53JOKjmdQjBEKW4CkcEJLqJWScflP23WDxz1_hYY_aem_yMqvZuAGrYlSsW-xlZUHOg

WorkTheTalk:
Nothing new. Politics of money bags. No ideology, no integrity. It is all about their selfish interest. Aregbesola refusal to accept a leadership position in the new coalition camp is an indication that he'd end up with APC. It is obvious his followers moving to APC is part of the arrangement.

blamingthedevil:
Why nobody is joining ADA, ADC or SDP. Is it only nairaland they have supporters?

PulaPower:
How Aregbe choose to go negative with Tinubu is really something hard to understand..

Tinubu really like Aregbe o

Owaincouncil:
There is no peace for betrayal. Aregbesola will be disgrace in osun come 2026. Any party he join will loose. He is not different from timubu that he's calling different names.

helinues:
Aregbesola is currently a political orphan with no one making the attempt of adopting him

Osiris12:
Press9jatv don use his other account post his osun thingy.

Adeleke lekan siiiiiiiii

Voting for belial will certainly be better than anything Apc

Politicstoday:
Aregbesola has been deserted again. Hmm 🧐. No hope for coalition party

AMINDA:
There they go again bandying the word "Betrayal" with reckless abandon. Anyone who chooses to go against the grain and away from stiffling godfatherism is quickly labelled a betrayer. This politics of subservience and baba sope will be the end of the SW. If Northerners had labelled Kwankwaso a betrayer for charting his own course away from Buhari, would Tinubu be looking up to him today to save him from impending defeat at the polls?

kennyz247:
Was Aregbesola not in APC before? What is his loyalist doing in PDP again,?

Parydelegate:
Ogbeni Rauf is loosing relevance. His followers have become inpatient with him.

In all...everyone is looking for highest bidder.