Former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that his political group, the Omoluabi Progressives, will not enter into any alliance ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.
Speaking in Osogbo on Sunday during a reception organised by the group to celebrate his 68th birthday, Aregbesola dismissed speculations of potential coalitions, asserting the group’s readiness to independently contest and win the election.
“By this time next year, we will all be close to Abere (Osun Governor’s Office). May God make it so. So people are having untrue impression that we will align with anyone (in the governorship poll).
“We are not going to align with anyone. We are going to pursue our political interest separately. No alliance with anyone or group. By the grace of God, this group will win.
“We will contest and we will win. The election that will follow that of next year…”, he said.
Aregbesola also used the occasion to emphasize the importance of mothers, urging people to remember their mothers during birthday celebrations.
“Whenever you are celebrating birthday, during the celebration, always remember to pray for your mother. The pains they endure during childbirth is enormous. So whether alive or late, birthday celebrations should be dedicated to prayers for mothers,” he said.
Moshood Adeoti, a former Secretary to the State Government during Aregbesola’s administration, urged members of the Omoluabi Progressives to remain committed to the group’s ideals.
Representing Governor Ademola Adeleke at the event, Biyi Odunlade commended Aregbesola for his developmental strides in the state.
“I celebrate you because you left a good template for good governance in Osun State that cannot be faulted by anybody. Your legacy of service is exemplary and remarkable, one that stands you out among your contemporaries,” Odunlade said.
The event drew attendance from several political allies of Aregbesola, members of the Omoluabi Progressives, former appointees from Osun State, and supporters from Lagos.
