The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has revealed that he tried to reconcile with The Osun Progressives, TOP, a faction of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State.
TOP is loyal to Rauf Aregbesola, his predecessor and former Interior Minister.
Oyetola, who was Osun governor from 2018 to 2022, also revealed that his efforts were on for three years.
He made this known in Osogbo on Thursday while speaking at a reception by party members to celebrate his appointment as Minister.
He commended the party leadership in the state for the steps taken to sanitise the party.
While urging members to accommodate members who are sober and ready to return to the party, he assured them that the party will return to power in 2026.
In his words, “I want to assure you that we are going to reclaim Osun in 2026 by the grace of God. I want to applaud all the party loyalists and leadership of APC in Osun.
“Some members of the party did anti-party, but I want to commend you for your steadfastness. I was welcomed into the state with massive respect, right from Asejire, Ikire, Gbongan, Akoda-Ede, and finally, here. I am so glad. APC is strong in Osun.
“I am in support of measures taken to sanitize the party by suspending those that did anti-party within APC. This party is what I am giving my all to see to its success. Many of you have aspirations within this party, so when some people want to wreck and destabilize it, they should be dealt with.
“I want to implore the remaining members to be loyal and steadfast. Those who are yet to mingle with factional groups should be considered. There is room for reconciliation, it is good, I am in support of it but anybody that you will reconcile must show remorse and be sober, he should admit his mistake and vow not to repeat same,” Oyetola said.
Recall that the APC in Osun expelled and suspended some of its members.
It was alleged that the expulsions and suspensions targeted Aregbesola loyalists and TOP members.
The Osun APC defending its action, had said the affected members were involved in anti-party activities.