The Genesis of Discord: A Tale of Political Betrayal and Marginalization
The political landscape of Osun State, Nigeria, has been marred by a deep-seated crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC), stemming from the 2018 gubernatorial election. Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives, a group loyal to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, sheds light on the origins and intractable nature of this conflict. The crux of the issue revolves around the perceived imposition of Gboyega Oyetola as the APC candidate in 2018, allegedly orchestrated by Bola Tinubu, against the principle of equitable zoning. This perceived injustice led to initial dissent, with some party members, including Adesiji, defecting to the ADP before being persuaded to return by Aregbesola. However, the return marked the beginning of a systematic marginalization of Aregbesola’s loyalists by the Oyetola administration.
Exclusion, False Accusations, and the Pursuit of Reconciliation:
Upon their return to the APC fold, Aregbesola’s supporters faced ostracization and exclusion from party activities. They were barred from participating in party congresses and primary elections, effectively silencing their voices within the party structure. Despite these blatant attempts to sideline them, Aregbesola and his followers consistently pursued reconciliation, engaging in numerous peace meetings and seeking redress at the national secretariat. Their efforts, however, were met with resistance from those who benefited from the internal strife. Furthermore, they were accused of working against the APC in subsequent elections, a charge Adesiji vehemently denies. He points out that they were deliberately excluded from campaign activities and instructed not to participate. Aregbesola, despite this treatment, never directed his supporters to vote against the APC, and his polling unit, ward, and local government all delivered victories for the party.
The Frustration of Peace Efforts and the Inevitable Exodus:
The continued marginalization and false accusations fueled the flames of discord. Aregbesola’s attempts to bridge the divide and foster unity within the party were consistently thwarted by those who sought to maintain their grip on power. Even after the APC’s defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial election, which was blamed on Aregbesola’s loyalists despite their exclusion, genuine reconciliation remained elusive. The systematic denial of party tickets to Aregbesola’s supporters in the 2023 elections further solidified the perception of deliberate marginalization. This culminated in the collective decision of the Omoluabi Progressives to leave the APC, driven by the desire to protect their followers from further political disenfranchisement and seek a platform that valued their contributions.
The Unresolved Question of Tinubu’s Role and the Silent Treatment:
While the direct involvement of President Tinubu in the Osun APC crisis remains unclear, his perceived inaction speaks volumes. Adesiji highlights the stark contrast between Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers State political crisis and his apparent indifference to the turmoil in Osun. Tinubu’s failure to mediate the conflict, despite Aregbesola’s inability to pinpoint the source of their alleged rift, has fueled speculation about a deeper, undisclosed issue between the two political figures. The absence of any direct communication from Tinubu regarding Aregbesola’s alleged transgressions further deepens the mystery surrounding the strained relationship and contributes to the perception of a deliberate cold shoulder from the President.
The Violation of Due Process and the Disregard for Party Constitution:
Adding insult to injury, the suspension and expulsion of Aregbesola and his supporters were carried out in blatant disregard for the APC’s constitution. The established procedures for disciplinary actions, including the formation of investigative committees at various levels and the submission of findings to the national body, were completely bypassed. The accused were never formally questioned or given an opportunity to defend themselves, learning of their suspension through social media. This blatant disregard for due process underscores the arbitrary and undemocratic nature of the party leadership’s actions, further justifying the decision of the Omoluabi Progressives to sever ties with the APC.
The Future of Omoluabi Progressives and the Search for a New Political Home:
Having left the APC, the Omoluabi Progressives are now charting a new political course. While Adesiji remains tight-lipped about their specific destination, he assures that they will not be joining the PDP. He emphasizes their commitment to progressive ideals and promises a forthcoming announcement regarding their chosen platform. The group’s departure from the APC marks a significant shift in the Osun political landscape, and their next move will undoubtedly be closely watched by observers and stakeholders alike. The Omoluabi Progressives, now unburdened by the internal conflicts of the APC, are poised to redefine their political identity and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Nigeria’s democratic process. Their journey underscores the importance of internal party democracy, equitable representation, and respect for due process, principles they believe were severely compromised within the APC.
