Ahead of next year’s gubernatorial poll in Osun, the state chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), on Wednesday, implored former Governor Rauf Aregbesola to collaborate with the party in winning the election.

The NNPP expressed optimism that a healthy synergy between the party and Omoluabi Progressives, a splinter group led by Aregbesola, will create a virile platform to take over the governance of the state from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It is recalled that the former governor, who is also the immediate past Minister for Internal Affairs, and his supporters, on Sunday, announced their exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) citing the ostracization, suspension, and expulsion of the tendency’s leaders without fair hearing, and the continuous denigration of the structure, among others, for their action.

Aregbesola, however, hinted at the readiness of his camp to join any political party with a progressive ideology through which the state can be a reference point among the comity of states in Nigeria.

However, NNPP, in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr Tosin Odeyemi, which was forwarded to journalists in Osogbo, the state capital, contended that his party had proven to Nigerians that it possesses the capacity to correct the defects in Nigeria’s system of governance, using a pro-people approach to foster socioeconomic development.

He noted that the laudable performance of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, showcased the capacity of the NNPP to provide responsive leadership as a catalyst to bring about positive changes needed in Nigeria.

Odeyemi further said that Osun’s history will not be complete without mention of Aregbesola’s contributions, adding that the mainstream APC could not stop blaming the ex-governor for its failure to retain power in 2022, having realized the enormous influence he wields in the state political space.

The statement read: “Nobody can say Ogbeni Aregbesola is a political liability in Osun. He is an asset, no doubt about that. Even his former political family knows the truth, they are only shying away from it. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been shouting around that he caused their downfall during the 2022 gubernatorial election.”

“I am using this opportunity to appeal to Aregbesola to consider joining our great party, NNPP. Osun is in a state of quagmire presently; we need a positive force to reclaim it. Having Aregbesola in Osun NNPP, no doubt will also boost the party’s chances during the 2027 general election in Nigeria.

“Our ideas are the same. We all love to see the masses happy and living comfortably. We can do it together in Osun come 2026, and history will definitely be kind to us all. Therefore, with open arms, I wish to woo Ogbeni Aregbesola and his group to NNPP for a prosperous Osun.”