Osun APC suspends Aregbesola over anti-party activities

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended former Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, follows a petition from the Ilesa East Local Government APC Executive Committee to the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, accusing Aregbesola of actions undermining the APC’s unity. Pending a formal investigation, the state APC has also notified the party’s national leadership, led by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, of the development.

According to a resolution dated October 22, titled “Resolution Suspending Rauf Aregbesola for Anti-Party Activities and Constituting a Disciplinary Committee,” and signed by Osun APC Chairman Lawal and Secretary Kamar Olabisi, the party acted under Article 21 of its constitution.

The statement outlined several allegations against Aregbesola, including promoting factionalism by forming the Omoluabi Caucus splinter group, collaborating with opposition parties, and publicly criticising key APC figures such as President Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

The APC further claimed that Aregbesola has refused to participate in party activities since 2019 and failed to vote for the party during elections.

A formal disciplinary committee has been established to investigate the allegations and is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within 14 days. Aregbesola has been issued a notice to respond to the allegations in writing within 48 hours, according to a follow-up letter from the committee dated October 24, signed by Waheed Adediran, Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee.

“The party will not hesitate to enforce disciplinary measures on any member found guilty of violating the constitution or engaging in anti-party conduct,” the Osun APC warned, urging members to uphold unity and avoid actions that could harm the party’s electoral fortunes.

Aregbesola’s suspension marks a significant escalation in internal party tensions, as the APC seeks to maintain discipline among members ahead of future elections.