The face-off between former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel and the incumbent, Dapo Abiodun took another dimension on Wednesday when the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) announced the suspension of Daniel for alleged anti-party activities.
And all of Daniel, Kunle Folarin, was also suspended for the same allegation.
The notice of the suspension was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Publicity of the party in the state, Nuberu Olufemi, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
READ ALSO: Ogun govt declares Wednesday public holiday for Isese Day
According to the statement, both Daniel and Folarin were suspended by their wards following their refusal to appear before a Disciplinary Committees, investigating allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities against them in Ward 4 and Ward 6 of Sagamu Local Government, respectively.
The statement reads, “In exercise of its powers, the State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State hereby affirms the suspension of two members of our party in Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Hon. Kunle Folarin, by their respective wards for alleged anti-party activities”.
“The State Chairman of the party, Chief Yemi Sanusi, chaired the meeting held on August 19, with sixteen members present”.
“The meeting considered the reports of the following Disciplinary Committees investigating allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities against the two members in Ward 4 and Ward 6 of Sagamu Local Government, respectively”.
“Ward 4, Sagamu Local Government, set up a Disciplinary Committee on the alleged misconduct bordering on anti-party activities committed by Senator Gbenga Daniel”.
“Similarly, Ward 6, Sagamu Local Government, set up a Disciplinary Committee on the allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities allegedly committed by Hon. Kunle Folarin”.
“They wrote to the members under investigation, inviting them to the disciplinary meetings at which they were to be heard and allowed to present evidence in their defence or request pardon from the party”.
“However, both members failed to respond to the invitations extended to them in writing, failed to provide a written defence, and failed to attend the disciplinary meetings at which they were to be allowed to defend themselves”.
“In view of their deliberate and unexplained absences, the Committees deliberated as scheduled, heard from the available witnesses, considered the available documentary evidence, and deliberated on the allegations”.
“In addition to the above, the Committees received notice that the members under investigation had been harassing party members and warning members against cooperating with the Committees, and further that the members under investigation had been using their statuses within the party to pressure party members to withdraw the petitions against them”.
“In view of this development, the Committees resolved to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and to eliminate interference by the members under investigation”.
“Upon due consideration, the Committees suspended the members indefinitely, pending further investigation and the outcome of the Committees’ inquiry. Copies of the letters of indefinite suspension had been sent to the State Chairman for consideration and approval of the State Working Committee”.
“The suspensions were based on the members’ failure to cooperate with the investigation and their attempts to pressure party members to withdraw petitions against them”.
READ ALSO: ADC accuses Ogun govt of using police to disrupt by-election campaign
“The SWC has ratified the suspensions. The meeting demonstrates the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding its constitution”.
Recall that Daniel and Abiodun have been at loggerheads over the senatorial ticket of the APC for the Ogun East in the coming 2027 general polls.
