The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has announced the suspension of former governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over allegations of anti-party activities.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the state’s party leadership.
The decision followed a request from the Ilesa East Local Government APC Executive Committee, which petitioned the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, to take action against Aregbesola, citing his alleged involvement in actions that undermined the APC.
The committee, in a letter, accused Aregbesola of promoting factionalism and colluding with opposition parties, among other allegations.
Responding to the request, the Osun State APC Executive Committee notified the party’s national leadership, represented by APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, of its decision to suspend Aregbesola and to establish a disciplinary panel to investigate the charges.
The resolution, dated October 22, titled “Resolution Suspending Rauf Aregbesola for Anti-Party Activities and Constituting a Disciplinary Committee,” was signed by Osun APC Chairman Lawal and Secretary Kamar Olabisi.
The document, obtained on Tuesday in Osogbo, outlined the allegations and Aregbesola’s suspension based on Article 21 of the APC Constitution.
“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 statement partly read.
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; and refusing to vote for the party since the 2019 general elections.
The committee will deliver its findings and recommendations to the state executive within 14 days.
It also issued a formal notice to Aregbesola, inviting him to appear and defend himself against the allegations.
Reaffirming 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 said.
In a follow-up letter dated October 24 and signed by Osun APC Disciplinary Committee Secretary, Waheed Adediran, the former governor was given 48 hours to respond to the allegations in writing.
His response, the committee noted, would be essential for its investigation into the six charges levelled against him.
SOURCE – PUNCH
