NIGERIA: Osun APC Suspends Aregbesola Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has suspended former governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, citing allegations of anti-party activities. 

This suspension, which is effective immediately, is pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the state party leadership.

The suspension decision was prompted by a request from the Ilesa East Local Government APC Executive Committee, which formally petitioned state APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal to act against Aregbesola.

The committee’s letter accused Aregbesola of actions that allegedly undermined party unity, including promoting factionalism within the party and collaborating with opposition groups.

In response to the request, the Osun State APC Executive Committee communicated with the APC’s national leadership, represented by National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and resolved to suspend Aregbesola. 

A disciplinary panel was also established to review the allegations, as outlined in a resolution signed by Osun APC Chairman Lawal and Secretary Kamar Olabisi. 

The document, dated October 22, obtained on Tuesday by the media, specified the suspension under Article 21 of the APC Constitution, citing Aregbesola’s alleged anti-party actions.

The charges against Aregbesola include forming a splinter group within the APC known as the Omoluabi Caucus, collaborating with opposition parties to destabilise the APC in Osun State, publicly criticising party leaders such as President Bola Tinubu and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola, and refraining from party activities since the 2019 general elections.

The Osun APC stated that the disciplinary committee would deliver its findings within 14 days, and a formal notice has been issued inviting Aregbesola to appear and defend himself against the allegations. 

He has been given 48 hours to submit a written response, as noted in a follow-up letter signed by the committee’s secretary, Waheed Adediran.

Reaffirming its stance on party discipline, the Osun APC urged members to avoid actions that could harm party unity. 

“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 said.