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, in a resolution submitted to the APC National Secretariat and directed to National Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje, Osun APC accused Aregbesola, who previously served as governor, of fostering divisions within the party by creating a rival faction.
The APC claims that this act has disrupted party unity, especially during a sensitive time in Osun politics.
Party leaders believe Aregbesola’s influence over certain groups has deepened internal rifts, which the state chapter sees as detrimental to the party’s unity.
It reads: “Following Committee, the State Executive Committee (SEC), llesa East Local Government Executive reviewing the allegations and by 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 into the allegations by a Disciplinary Committee.
“The State Executive Committee has constituted a Disciplinary Committee to investigate and provide Ogbeni Aregbesola with the opportunity to respond to the allegations of activities deemed to violate Article 21 (2) of the party’s Constitution, particularly relating to anti-party activities that undermine the collective interests of the APC levelled against him as follows:
“Factionalisation of the party with the creation of splinter groups i.e. the Omoluabi Caucus-a trending video of their recent activities in Iwo is here with attached; Creation of parallel organs within the party;
“Working with opposition parties to undermine the APC in the State -admission made at the Ataoja’s Palace 4th of January 2024, Osogbo; Public outbursts against the leaders of the party, including President, H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Chief Bisi Akande and H.E. Gboyega Oyetola, among others;
“Refusal to show up or support any party activities in the State; and Refusal to vote for the party since after the 2019 general elections.”
This suspension represents a bold step by the Osun APC to address internal issues and refocus leadership priorities as they prepare for upcoming elections. Responses from Aregbesola’s camp are expected as the situation develops.