Aregbesola’s Resurgence: A Political Comeback in the Making?
It was Winston Churchill who said that success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts. Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola’s recent manoeuvres echo the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Churchill’s words. The political grandmaster is making strategic moves to bolster his political influence in the state, signalling a potential return to power.
The recent inauguration of the remaining members of the “management of the Omoluabi Progressives” on March 24, 2024, follows closely on the heels of the swearingin of state coordinators of the caucus on February 25, 2024. These consecutive developments are clearly Aregbesola’s moves to solidify the dominance of his political caucus in Osun’s political landscape.
The Omoluabi Progressives, spearheaded by Aregbesola, is supposed to serve as a bastion of the genuine foundation members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun. Aregbesola is mainly responsible for this vision and has been instrumental in nurturing its growth.
During the launch of the Omoluabi Progressives in August 2023, Aregbesola reaffirmed the commitment of his caucus to the APC, emphasising their resilience as long-distance runners in the political arena. This declaration was supposed to demonstrate Aregbesola’s unwavering dedication to the party’s principles and his determination to remain a stalwart within its ranks.
In reality, the emergence of the Omoluabi Caucus provides a shield for Aregbesola’s loyalists, who have faced challenges amidst political infighting within the Osun chapter. This internal strife led to the loss of control for Aregbesola and thwarted the second-term ambition of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Currently, Oyetola and his allies command the mainstream APC in Osun, relegating Aregbesola to the sidelines. However, the launch of the Omoluabi Progressives marks Aregbesola’s possible resurgence, catapulting him back into the political forefront and solidifying his status as a formidable force to be reckoned with.
As Aregbesola swims these political waters with strategic finesse, his resurgence signifies a potential comeback to power.