The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expelled former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in a move that underscores the party’s deepening internal crisis.
Aregbesola, once a towering figure in the APC’s Southwest politics, was accused of anti-party activities and formally ousted after a decision by the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC).
A letter seen by journalists on Wednesday confirmed the expulsion, marking the climax of a long-running feud between Aregbesola and the party’s leadership in Osun. The letter, titled “Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You,” accused him of violating Article 21 of the APC’s constitution, which outlines disciplinary actions for members who undermine party unity.
Aregbesola, who served two terms as governor from 2010 to 2018, was once a close ally of President Bola Tinubu and a major force in APC’s rise to power in Osun. However, cracks in that alliance deepened in the years following his governorship. His leadership of The Osun Progressives (TOP), later rebranded as the Omoluabi Caucus, was seen by party loyalists as a direct challenge to the APC’s mainstream structure in the state.
The final straw appeared to be a Sunday meeting of the Omoluabi Caucus, where Aregbesola and his faction announced their decision to exit the APC, citing the party’s diminishing influence in Osun.
“For years, we have been sidelined, disregarded, and treated as outsiders in a party we helped build,” a senior member of the Omoluabi Caucus told journalists. “This expulsion only makes official what had already happened—we have moved on.”
In its strongly worded expulsion notice, the APC accused Aregbesola of actively working against the party’s interests.
“The decision was predicated on clear evidence of your actions, which undermined the unity and integrity of the party,” the letter read. “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.”
Party insiders suggest that Aregbesola’s expulsion is not just about Osun politics—it is a signal from the APC leadership that internal dissent will no longer be tolerated.
With his formal expulsion, speculation is rife about Aregbesola’s next political move. Some sources suggest he could align with the opposition, while others believe he may form a new political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite his fallout with the APC, Aregbesola’s influence remains strong in Osun politics, particularly among his loyalists who feel disillusioned with the current party leadership. Whether this expulsion marks the end of his political journey or the beginning of a new chapter remains to be seen.
For now, the APC in Osun has drawn a firm line—Aregbesola is out. But in Nigerian politics, exile is rarely permanent.
