Loyalists of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, have rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared their support for the party’s governorship candidate, Munirudeen Oyebamiji, ahead of the 15 August election.
The group, formerly known as The Osun Progressives (TOP), announced its return in a statement on Thursday under a new identity: the Osun Progressives Ambassadors. Its leader, Adeniran Ajala, admitted that the decision followed years of political miscalculation.
According to Ajala, the reintegration into the mainstream APC was facilitated by the son of the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Ajala explained that members had initially aligned with TOP to strengthen the party and address grey areas. However, they later discovered that the platform had been hijacked by a few individuals pursuing personal vendettas, which undermined the progressive family’s chances in the state.
“We aligned with TOP with the hope of correcting grey areas and strengthening the party, but later discovered that the platform had become a vehicle for personal vendetta aimed at undermining the chances of the progressive family in the state,” the statement read.
Ajala confirmed that the group has pledged to work for Oyebamiji’s election and future polls. He commended Femi Oyetola, a senatorial aspirant, and his team for their warm reception.
Kehinde Ayantunji, Oyetola’s campaign Director-General, welcomed the returnees and urged them to work diligently for the party’s success in what he called a defining moment for APC in Osun.
Ayantunji also called on party members across the state—especially the youth—to accommodate the returning members at ward, local government, and state levels, describing them as partners in Osun’s development.
Ajala added that the group was received by Rasak Adeosun (Special Adviser to former Governor Oyetola), former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Bayo Adeleke, and APC Youth Leader Goke Akinwomimo, among other party leaders.
