From Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Omoluabi Progressives Chairmen , Alhaji Azeez Adesiji has reaffirmed the association’s commitment to an independent political future, affirming that it is not in alliance with either the All Progressives Congress ,APC, or the Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP.
Speaking on Diamond 88.5 FM, Adesiji stated that the movement’s leaders are currently working on how to strengthen its structure ahead of its formal association with a political party.
Adesiji said, “We know the onions of being a political party. What we are about doing now is choosing executives from each unit, ward, local government and the state levels, followed by a national convention where its new political allegiance will be pronounced.
“They are free to say whatever they like. We have been in this kind of venture before. Before the advent of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, AD was referred to as a dead party. Even the PDP said they were going to rule us for sixteen years. But when Ogbeni came, the narrative and atmosphere changed. We won and ruled for twelve years before they dismantled what Ogbeni built.
“We have left the APC, and we won’t return. We are looking at replicating the legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Bola Ige and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who are symbols of good governance”.
Refuting allegations of an alliance with the PDP or other political parties, the tendency’s Chairman said, “We didn’t form any alliance with any party. We stayed indoors because they said we were insignificant. They tagged us as minions, but they learned their lesson. When they welcomed Omisore into the APC at Freedom Park, they claimed it would put some people into political oblivion. But we thank God it didn’t happen to us.
“When you are not wanted in a place, you move to another. In Osun, the South and East senatorial districts had their turn, and the West is next. But the APC leader, now the President of Nigeria, insisted on making his brother the APC flag bearer at all costs. Some members wanted to leave, but Ogbeni persuaded them to stay. However, when Oyetola became Governor, he began showing disdain for Ogbeni, despite the fact that the world knows what Ogbeni did to help install him”.
On the possibility of reconciliation, Adesiji stated that, “I can mention five efforts made by Ogbeni to make peace. He was committed to finding a solution, but others didn’t attend the meetings.
“God forbid. We are not doing what we are doing to favour the current government, whether PDP or APC. Very soon, people will see what we’re up to”, Adesiji noted.
