No alliance with anyone or group. By the grace of God, this group will win. We will contest and we will win. The election that will follow that of next year
Former Governor of Osun State and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has firmly dismissed any intentions of forming a coalition with other political groups ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
The seasoned politician made this declaration during a reception organized by the Omoluabi Progressives — a political group he founded — which was held in Osogbo on Sunday as part of celebrations marking his 68th birthday.
Addressing members of his political group and supporters, Aregbesola expressed confidence in his group’s ability to independently contest and emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.
He also shared a hopeful vision that by the time of his next birthday, the Omoluabi Progressives would be closely aligned with the Osun State Governor’s Office at Abere, signaling their growing political influence within the state’s power structure.
“By this time next year, we will all be close to Abere (Osun Governor’s Office). May God make it so,” Aregbesola said optimistically.
He went further to dispel circulating rumors about potential alliances, stating categorically, “So, people are having untrue impressions that we will align with anyone (in the governorship poll). We are not going to align with anyone. We are going to pursue our political interest separately.”
The former governor reiterated his group’s firm resolve to stand alone and secure electoral victory without forming coalitions or partnerships. “No alliance with anyone or group. By the grace of God, this group will win. We will contest and we will win. The election that will follow that of next year,” he declared with conviction.
In his speech, Aregbesola also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Omoluabi Progressives for organizing the reception in his honor.
Highlighting the cultural and spiritual importance of birthdays, he urged everyone present to always remember to pray for their mothers during birthday celebrations — a gesture he believes honors the tremendous pain and sacrifice mothers endure during childbirth.
“Whenever you are celebrating a birthday, during the celebration, always remember to pray for your mother. The pains they endure during childbirth are enormous. So whether alive or late, birthday celebrations should be dedicated to prayers for mothers,” he said.
Earlier in the event, Moshood Adeoti, who served as the Secretary to the Osun State Government during Aregbesola’s administration, encouraged members of the Omoluabi Progressives to remain steadfast and committed to the core values and ideals that the group represents. He stressed the importance of unity and perseverance in achieving their political objectives.
Representing the current Osun State Governor, Biyi Odunlade commended Aregbesola for his significant contributions to the development of Osun State.
Odunlade described Aregbesola’s legacy as exemplary and unmatched among his peers. “I celebrate you because you left a good template for good governance in Osun State that cannot be faulted by anybody. Your legacy of service is exemplary and remarkable, one that stands you out among your contemporaries,” he remarked.
The reception was well-attended by numerous members of the Omoluabi Progressives, as well as Aregbesola’s political allies from Lagos and former appointees from Osun State, all gathered to honor the former governor and reaffirm their support for his political journey.