Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has ruled out alignment of his political group, Omoluabi Progressives, with other political party in the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
The former Osun governor maintained that his group will stand alone, contest and win the election.
Aregbesola who spoke at De Distinguished Event Centre, Osogbo, during the celebration of his 68th birthday, organised by the Omoluabi Progressives, on Sunday, however, deferred comment on 2027 election.
Though, he did not disclose under which political party the group will contest the Osun election, Aregbesola boasted that the group will vote and win the election.
Speaking in Yoruba, Aregbesola said, “By next year, we shall be looking at Abere in front of us. Those who are deceiving themselves that we are aligning with some people, we are not aligning with anybody. We are standing alone. We shall contest, vote and win the election,” Aregbesola said.
He started shouting “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) after saying _The one that would come after the next year.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Dr. Biyi Odunlade, applauded Aregbesola’s life of service and impacts.
He said Aregbesola’s courage and conviction, which stands him out as a politician with a difference, acknowledging his pronounced contributions to the progress that Osun state has made so far.
“I celebrate my dear Egbon, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, as he marks his 68th birthday today. Ogbeni Aregbesola is a man endowed with an incredible sense of purpose, utilising his God-given knowledge and energy to initiatives that will impact lives and transform societies.
“Regardless of our political differences, I hold Ogbeni Aregbesola in the highest esteem because of his contributions to the progress made in Osun state so far. I join family, friends and wishers to honour his many impacts, particularly in the area of creating opportunities for young people,” Adeleke said.
