The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended former governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over allegations of anti-party activities.
The suspension takes immediate effect and is pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the state party leadership.
The decision follows a request from the Ilesa East Local Government APC Executive Committee, which submitted a petition to the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, outlining Aregbesola’s alleged actions that reportedly undermined the party. In their letter, the committee accused Aregbesola of fostering factionalism and colluding with opposition parties, among other allegations.
In response to the petition, the Osun State APC Executive Committee informed the party’s national leadership, represented by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, of their decision to suspend Aregbesola and to form a disciplinary panel to investigate the charges.
The resolution, dated October 22, is titled “Resolution Suspending Rauf Aregbesola for Anti-Party Activities and Constituting a Disciplinary Committee.” It was signed by Osun APC Chairman Lawal and Secretary Kamar Olabisi. The document, obtained on Tuesday, details the allegations against Aregbesola, citing Article 21 of the APC Constitution as the basis for his suspension.
The statement read: “Following complaints of anti-party activities leveled against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee, the State Executive Committee (SEC), after reviewing the allegations and in accordance with the powers vested in it by Article 21(3)(vi)(c) of the party’s Constitution, hereby suspends Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from the party pending the outcome of an investigation.”
The charges against Aregbesola include:
– Factionalizing the APC by forming the Omoluabi Caucus splinter group.
– Allegedly collaborating with opposition parties to destabilize the APC in Osun State.
– Publicly criticizing party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola.
– Refusing to participate in or support APC activities within the state.
– Not voting for the party since the 2019 general elections.
The disciplinary committee is expected to deliver its findings and recommendations to the state executive within 14 days. Aregbesola has been formally notified and invited to defend himself against the allegations.
Reiterating its commitment to party discipline, the Osun APC urged members to avoid actions that could harm the party’s unity and electoral prospects. “The party will not hesitate to enforce disciplinary measures on any member found violating the party’s constitution or engaging in anti-party conduct,” the committee stated.
In a follow-up letter dated October 24, the Osun APC Disciplinary Committee Secretary, Waheed Adediran, gave Aregbesola 48 hours to respond to the allegations in writing. His response will be crucial for the ongoing investigation into the six charges against him.
