By Abiola Olawale
As the 2026 Osun State governorship election draws closer, political tensions are rising, with former two-term Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola and his loyalists, under the Omoluabi Progressives banner, intensifying their campaign with a vibrant and theatrical display in Ilesha.
The group, now aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), captivated onlookers with political songs and bold chants of “We will meet on the election field,” signaling their determination to challenge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming polls.
Supporters of Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and key political figure in Osun, filled the event with colorful banners, drums, and choreographed performances.
The highlight was their rendition of politically charged songs, including the rallying cry, “We will meet on the election field,” a direct challenge to their opponents, particularly the APC and the incumbent PDP government led by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The New Diplomat gathered that the theatrical display was more than just a spectacle; it was a strategic move to galvanize grassroots support and reassert Aregbesola’s influence in Osun politics.
Aregbesola who is now the Interim National Secretary of the ADC, has been moving around Osun State to galvanise support for the party.
The former governor also used the event to emphasize their commitment to what he called reclaiming the state for “true progressive leadership” in 2026.
He urged supporters to focus on policy-driven campaigns and avoid divisive rhetoric.
