Group Condemns Aregbesola’s Alleged Anti-Democratic Posture

A social-political cultural tendency group, the Omoluabi Progressive Movement, has condemned what it described as the anti-democratic posture of Rauf Aregbesola, Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Governor of Osun State.

According to the group, Aregbesola, who had long positioned himself as a champion of democratic values and good governance, has now descended into the depths of hypocrisy.

In a statement signed by its National Director of Media and Strategy, Adeola Ifanniyi Fatiregun, the movement said the former governor’s recent actions in Osun, particularly within the state’s Omoluabi Progressive (a political group within the ADC chapter), had been a stark betrayal of the democratic principles he claims to uphold.

“Aregbesola’s tendency within the ADC Osun state chapter, the Osun Omoluabi Progressive organised a shadow election to select its flag bearer for the 2026 Osun Governorship election. However, this process has been marred by Aregbesola’s blatant disregard for democratic norms.

“He has used his influence to deny aspirants access to the party’s declaration of intention forms, ditto for the nomination form, effectively shutting down the space for legitimate competition. Unfortunately, the illegitimate outcome is now the subject of this press statement.

“Interestingly, this culminated in the leadership of Omoluabi Progressives Osun equating the outcome of their group shadow election as the ADC Osun chapter primary, therefore declaring a candidate, likened to a “mole in the garb of Wike”, as the party’s candidate for the 2026 Osun state governorship election,” the group said.

The Omoluabi Progressive Movement stated that Aregbesola’s actions demonstrate a shocking disregard for democratic principles, especially considering his record of imposing candidates.

“His actions in 2022, which facilitated Gboyega Oyetola’s emergence as the APC candidate, were a clear indication of his willingness to disregard the will of party members. Now, he has repeated the same tactic, betraying Alhaji Adeoti, a loyal member of his group, for the second time.

“The Omoluabi Progressive Movement condemns Aregbesola’s actions as a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust reposed in him as a leader. We are appalled by the dearth of politicians and leaders with the passion and integrity of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“Aregbesola’s actions, and those of others like him, are contributing to Nigeria’s democratic development problems. We question the existence of alternative parties and personalities that can counter Tinubu’s tyranny if their own type of treachery and debauchery equals and surpasses his.

“We call on the ADC to address this assault on its credentials as a hope for Nigerian democracy. The unfolding events in Osun within the ADC Omoluabi Progressives, Osun state, if not well handled, may have a ripple effect across Yorubaland and negatively impact the party’s chances in future elections.

“The OPM rejects this kind of tyranny and demands accountability from our leaders. Aregbesola’s actions are a stark reminder that some politicians prioritise power over principles. We urge all stakeholders within the ADC to stand up for democracy and ensure that the space for legitimate competition is protected,” it added.