Aregbesola Rebuilds Once – Powerful Political Machinery In Lagos

Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has begun reviving his once-formidable political structure in Lagos State, with early moves targeting his stronghold in Alimosho, the largest voting bloc in the state.

Sources familiar with the development say the former ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is quietly reconnecting with grassroots supporters and key political figures previously aligned with his camp, most of whom had defected or gone underground following his fallout with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aregbesola’s political resurgence is buoyed by his recent emergence as the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—a party now linked with the growing coalition against President Tinubu’s second-term bid. Insiders say he is using his new platform to attract former loyalists with promises of inclusion, relevance, and long-term political opportunity.

“He’s repositioning himself as a viable alternative for those who feel marginalised within the APC structure in Lagos,” said a source within the ADC who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the strategy.

Many of Aregbesola’s allies were effectively shut out of key appointments and benefits after he openly promoted Omoluabi Progressives, a splinter group he formed to push for internal reform within the APC. The party hierarchy, loyal to Tinubu, responded by freezing his loyalists out of influence—particularly during the recent selection process for local government chairmen and councillors across Lagos.

In response, many of Aregbesola’s former backers pledged allegiance to the prevailing power bloc within the APC to safeguard their careers. However, with Aregbesola now offering an organised alternative under a new banner, sources say some are quietly returning to his fold.

Once considered the second most powerful political figure in Lagos, Aregbesola used his influence and close ties to Tinubu to become a two-term governor of Osun State.

His fortunes began to shift following a bitter succession struggle with his former Chief of Staff, Gboyega Oyetola, who succeeded him as governor.

The rivalry deepened into a factional war within the Osun APC. Aregbesola accused Tinubu of backing Oyetola to undermine his influence, while party leaders blamed Aregbesola for Oyetola’s failed re-election bid in 2022. That loss further weakened Aregbesola’s political grip, not just in Osun but also in Lagos.

Although there were hints of reconciliation during Tinubu’s first presidential campaign, Aregbesola’s recent alliance with anti-Tinubu forces—via the ADC—has led many observers to believe that the rift is now beyond repair.

“There was a time rapprochement seemed possible,” said political watcher, and added “But his role in the opposition front has erased that window, at least for now.”

Aregbesola’s renewed mobilisation in Lagos is expected to intensify in the coming months as political actors begin early positioning for 2027. With Alimosho as his launchpad, insiders say his aim is to rebuild a cohesive political family that could rival the Tinubu-led APC structure in parts of the Southwest.

Whether this move results in a full-scale realignment or remains a tactical pressure point will depend on how many key figures defect—and how far Aregbesola is willing to push the fight.