Followers of Rauf Aregbesola under the umbrella of Omoluabi Progressives in Osun State have intensified their preparations to participate and field candidates in next year’s governorship election in the state.
Following the emergence of the former governor of Osun as the General Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, The Guardian reliably gathered that the political organisation, led by Aregbesola, would soon collapse its structure to formally join the ADC ahead of the gubernatorial election slated for August 8, 2026.
A stalwart of the group who spoke to our correspondent under condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed that Omoluabi Progressives would be fielding candidates in the forthcoming poll.
“For now, I can only tell you that we now belong to the ADC since our leader has been made the National Secretary.
Osun people should be ready to taste the best of governance because I can assure you that we will contest next year and win,” the leader of the political organisation said.
“We will formally announce our new party soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives, Azeez Adesiji, while congratulating Aregbesola for the new position in ADC, called on members of the group and other citizens in the state to prepare ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun.
Adesiji, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the group’s Publicity and Organising Secretary, Abosede Oluwaseun, described Aregbesola’s elevation as a significant development in Nigeria’s political trajectory.
He noted that the appointment would bring renewed energy, focus and credibility to the ADC as the country inches towards another electoral season.
Adesiji noted that Aregbesola’s antecedents as a progressive leader and his vast experience in governance positioned him as a figure capable of redefining political leadership within the party and across the country.
He said, “This significant development marks a new chapter in the journey toward a more people-centred, accountable, and visionary political leadership in Nigeria.”
Commenting on the group’s preparation for the forthcoming poll in Osun, Adesiji remarked, “2026 is around the corner to usher in a new leadership, a leadership that will identify with the vision of lifting the working people out of poverty, improve security, bring much better infrastructural development into the state, banish hunger, and give a more glorified facelift to our state.”
He encouraged eligible voters who had not yet registered to take full advantage of the upcoming voter registration exercise and secure their participation in the democratic process.
He called on all stakeholders, especially the youth, to rise to the occasion and be part of the political change ahead.
“Together, we can build a better, more prosperous nation rooted in justice, equity, and true democratic values,” he said.