Aregbesola Forecloses Coalition Talks Ahead of 2026 Osun Governorship Election

Former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has ruled out any possibility of forming a coalition with other political factions ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Aregbesola, who spoke during a political engagement in Osogbo over the weekend, said his group would not consider any alliance or negotiation with other blocs, insisting they remain committed to their principles and political direction.

“We are not in any coalition talks, nor are we considering one. Our focus is on building a strong, independent platform that aligns with our vision for Osun State,” he said.

Aregbesola’s stance is seen as a direct message to factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political interests who may have been hoping to secure his support ahead of the crucial 2026 election.

The former governor, who led the state from 2010 to 2018 and later served as Minister of Interior, has had a strained relationship with the mainstream APC leadership in Osun since leaving office.

The division within the party was widely believed to have contributed to the APC’s defeat in the 2022 governorship election.

Political analysts say Aregbesola’s latest declaration could further complicate reconciliation efforts within the party and may lead to a more fragmented political field as the election approaches.