Former Osun state governor and ex-minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in a candid revelation at the Omoluabi caucus end-of-year party in Osogbo, attributed the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial election to his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola’s failure to heed his counsel.
Aregbesola criticized Oyetola’s associates, accusing them of harboring baseless animosity and disregarding reconciliation efforts endorsed by President Bola Tinubu. Speaking in Yoruba, he shared that despite three years of pleading with Oyetola, the latter’s refusal resulted in the party’s loss at the polls.
Despite urging his supporters to back Oyetola’s government, Aregbesola highlighted failed agreements and the lack of inclusion in appointments.
He said: “God spoke in Osun but people did not see what God did in Osun state. Three politicians including myself in Yoruba land, God made us to be successful. Awolowo started it, he finished his tenure and handed over to the person that he wished, the person did not do well until he lost the power. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did 8 years tenure and he handed over to the person he wished, those he handed over to did the wish of the party and his wish, the party still retain power till date.
“The third person is myself… I was in government for 8 years, I handed over to the person I felt will do my biddings and follow my dictates but he betrayed me and the party, you can see the consequences.
“Those that are not patient, they are saying rubbish, when I endorsed Sheu. I begged for three years that we must not lose the state. I never fight anybody in the past, I don’t know the reason why they are fighting me.
He added: “They met us in the party. I told my people to support the government of my successor. In August 26th 2021, our overall boss told us to do a meeting with his representatives in Abuja, 31 people from my group met with the representatives. They agreed that they should consider our faction in government by giving us one-third of appointment. I agreed with it. I gave them conditions that will make me campaign for them for gubernatorial election, but nothing came out of it.
“We embarked on several journeys to ensure we have a formidable house to the poll but their spokesman said on OSBC that anybody who is not invited should not come. So I have to stay away.
“They organised several campaign of calumny against me, when things failed they started pushing blames on me for losing the election. We are here to enjoy the festive season. I can assure you that with our plans, by this time next year, you will know our next moves.”