OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA AND THE BURDEN OF POLITICAL BETRAYAL: A JUSTIFIED NEW PATH
OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA AND THE BURDEN OF POLITICAL BETRAYAL: A JUSTIFIED NEW PATH
It is unfair and unwise to criticize Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola for accepting the role of Interim National Secretary of the All African Democratic Congress (ADC). His decision should be viewed not as betrayal, but as a necessary and principled step in response to years of marginalization and political injustice within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Let us not forget the series of humiliations he and his loyalists have endured since 2018 — beginning from the very moment he handed over power to his successor, Alh. Gboyega Oyetola and fellow party member. Despite his commitment and loyalty to the APC, he was vilified, slandered, and practically ostracized in his home state. He was barred from participating in party activities, and during the gubernatorial campaign, he and his supporters were explicitly warned to stay away. Ironically, after the party lost the election, the blame was conveniently placed at his feet.
Before his eventual expulsion from the Osun State chapter of the APC, Aregbesola made numerous genuine attempts at reconciliation. One of the most notable was his public apology in Osogbo — a rare gesture in Nigerian politics. Yet, despite his humility and efforts, the powers that be within the party hierarchy were unyielding and unforgiving.
In light of this, no one should fault him for choosing to chart a new course. It must be made clear that it was not Aregbesola who walked away from the APC, but rather the APC in Osun — with full backing from influential quarters — that pushed him out of the very house he helped to build.
His move to the ADC is not a betrayal, but a bold affirmation of self-respect, political survival, and the right to belong where one is valued. History will remember who truly turned their backs on loyalty and legacy.
DFR
#WeStandWithRAUF✊
#TillVictoryAlways
