APC suspends prominent member Rauf Aregbesola amidst ongoing party disputes. Explore the factors contributing to this suspension.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has suspended former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, citing alleged anti-party activities.
Party leaders argue that Aregbesola’s actions have intensified internal divisions, stating that his influence on certain factions has caused considerable discord within the party.
In a resolution presented to the APC National Secretariat on October 29 and directed to National Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje, the Osun APC alleged that Aregbesola, a former governor of the state, was causing divisions by creating a splinter faction.
The resolution, titled “Resolution Suspending Rauf Aregbesola for Anti-Party Activities and Constituting a Disciplinary Committee,” was dated October 22 and signed by Osun APC Chairman Lawal along with Secretary Kamar Olabisi.
The document acquired on Tuesday in Osogbo detailed the allegations and Aregbesola’s suspension according to Article 21 of the APC Constitution.
“The State Executive Committee (SEC) has decided to suspend Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from the party following accusations of anti-party activities made by the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee. This decision, based on Article 21(3)(vi)(c) of the party’s Constitution, will remain in effect until an investigation is concluded,” part of the statement revealed.
Aregbesola faces several charges, such as creating divisions within the APC by establishing the Omoluabi Caucus splinter group. He is also accused of working with opposition parties to undermine the APC in Osun State and publicly criticizing party leaders like President Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola. Additionally, he allegedly refrained from engaging in or backing APC activities within the state and has reportedly not voted for the party since the 2019 general elections.
The committee will present its findings and recommendations to the state executive within 14 days.
It additionally sent a formal notice to Aregbesola, requesting him to appear and address the allegations against him.
The Osun APC emphasized its dedication to party discipline and called on members to steer clear of actions that might jeopardize the party’s unity or electoral success.
“The committee stated that it would readily impose disciplinary actions on any member who violates the party’s constitution or engages in behavior detrimental to the party.”
In a subsequent letter dated October 24, signed by Waheed Adediran, Secretary of the Osun APC Disciplinary Committee, the former governor was granted a 48-hour period to submit a written response to the allegations.
The committee remarked that his response would be crucial for their investigation into the six charges brought against him.
