Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has undertaken significant renovations at his campaign headquarters, situated at Ayinke Towers, also known as Oranmiyan House, in Osogbo. This building, formerly utilized as the office of The Osun Progressives (TOP), has undergone a complete makeover.
One of the most striking alterations is the removal of all paraphernalia associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the party's logos and flags. Once adorned with the vibrant colors and symbols of the APC, the building now boasts a completely different aesthetic.
Reported by Dailypost, the removal of APC insignia is just one aspect of the transformation. The oversized portraits of influential figures such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former governor and subsequent APC National Chairman, Bisi Akande, and former President Muhammadu Buhari, which previously adorned the premises, have all been taken down.
In their stead, equally prominent images of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Chief Bola Ige, with Aregbesola's portrait placed prominently in the center, have been prominently displayed. Furthermore, the sizable APC logo has been replaced with that of the Omoluabi Progressive Caucus.
These alterations are widely interpreted as indicative of Aregbesola's recommitment to progressive politics and his disillusionment with Tinubu and Akande, whom he accuses of straying from progressive principles. Aregbesola's rift with Tinubu became evident in 2022, and he conspicuously abstained from attending all APC rallies nationwide leading up to the 2023 presidential election.
Kazeem Olanrewaju, a member of the Omoluabi Progressive Caucus in Ilesa, elucidated that these changes are aimed at reverting to the progressive ideals that initially motivated the formation of the APC. He critiqued Tinubu's administration for its purported lack of achievements within a year of governing Nigeria, questioning the essence of progressivism in governing without tangible accomplishments.
Olanrewaju assured that the APC logos and banners would eventually be reinstated, stating confidently, "we will bring back banners later." These developments unfold amidst preparations gearing up for the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state.