By Olaitan Ibrahim
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expelled former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, citing anti-party activities.
Aregbesola, who led Osun State for two terms, was accused of violating Article 21 of the APC constitution by forming a faction, The Osun Progressives, later rebranded as the Omoluabi Caucus.
A letter from the APC leadership, on Wednesday, confirmed his expulsion, stating that his actions undermined the party’s unity.
The move followed a Sunday meeting where the Omoluabi Caucus announced its exit from the APC, blaming the party’s decline in Osun.
The expulsion marks the culmination of a long-standing rift between Aregbesola and the APC leadership in Osun, particularly over the 2022 governorship election, which saw the party lose to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His faction had openly criticised the party’s internal leadership and electoral strategies.
Following his expulsion, political analysts speculate that Aregbesola may align with opposition forces or form a new political movement ahead of future elections.
His group, Omoluabi Caucus, has already hinted at seeking alliances outside the APC.
Meanwhile, the Osun PDP has expressed interest in wooing Aregbesola’s supporters, seeing them as potential assets in future political battles.
The development is expected to reshape the political landscape in the state.