Babatunji Wusu –
- Suspension: Aregbesola suspended over alleged anti-party activities.
- Accusations: Fostering division, creating rival factions, and collaborating with opposition.
- Internal Review: Suspension follows a committee review and is pending further investigation.
- Significance: Aims to address internal discord and strengthen party unity ahead of elections.
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended former Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities. According to Vanguard, this decision was conveyed in a resolution sent to the APC National Secretariat, addressed to National Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje.
The Osun APC accuses Aregbesola, a former governor, of sowing division within the party by establishing a rival faction, which has disrupted unity during a critical period in Osun politics. Party leaders assert that Aregbesola’s influence over certain groups has exacerbated internal conflicts, jeopardizing the party’s cohesion.
The suspension statement reads: “Following a review by the State Executive Committee (SEC) and the Ilesa East Local Government Executive, and by the powers vested in it by Article 21(3)(vi)(c) of the party’s Constitution, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is hereby suspended pending an investigation into the allegations by a Disciplinary Committee.”
The committee has been tasked with investigating and providing Aregbesola an opportunity to respond to claims of activities that violate Article 21(2) of the party’s Constitution. Allegations include:
- Factionalizing the party by creating splinter groups, specifically the Omoluabi Caucus.
- Establishing parallel organs within the party.
- Collaborating with opposition parties to undermine the APC in the state.
- Making public criticisms against party leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
- Failing to support or participate in party activities since the 2019 general elections.
This suspension marks a significant move by the Osun APC to confront internal challenges and refocus leadership priorities ahead of upcoming elections. Reactions from Aregbesola’s camp are anticipated as the situation evolves.