Mr. Oluwole Oke, the representative for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, stated on Sunday that former Governor Rauf Aregbesola remains a significant figure in Osun State politics.
Oke, who was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggested that if he were in Aregbesola’s position, he would seek reconciliation with President Bola Tinubu.
A recent development saw Aregbesola’s political group, Omoluabi Progressives, announce its departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, following a prolonged and unresolved dispute with the mainstream APC.
This rift was intensified by tensions between Aregbesola and his successor, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Sources within the party have hinted that the conflict leading to Aregbesola’s exit from APC stemmed from a falling out with Tinubu over unspecified issues.
Commenting on the situation, Oke, in a post shared on his social media account, suggested that had he been an APC member, he would have worked to mend the relationship between Aregbesola and Oyetola.
He further advised the PDP to seize the opportunity presented by the APC’s internal strife and quickly bring Aregbesola into their fold, describing him as a key political figure in Osun.
The post read, “Egbon Rauf ‘Soji Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and Minister for Interior, is a key political force. He is a grassroots mobilizer, singer, and dancer. He remains a significant figure and a ‘bride’ in Osun politics, whether we admit it or not.”
“If I were in his position, I would go to my principal, PBAT (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), make peace, and reconcile. If I were an APC member in Osun, I would ensure that Aregbesola and Oyetola settled their differences. This fight must end.”
Oke also urged the PDP to act quickly, referring to Aregbesola as a “bride” in the political landscape of Osun.
He highlighted that Aregbesola has the potential to mobilize significant voter support, particularly in the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District, where he can secure a considerable number of votes.
He added, “Any politician capable of gathering and engaging 10 to 20 people, feeding them, and giving them a token after a meeting is a force not to be ignored. Baba Kabiru is an important factor in Osun politics. Keep this post, and come back to me after 2026.”
Earlier, Oladele Bamiji, the PDP Director of Media and Publicity in Osun, emphasized Aregbesola’s importance, acknowledging him as a prominent figure in the state’s political scene and encouraged his group to consider joining the PDP.
