The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, announced the suspension of the state’s former governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, for alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
Effective immediately, the suspension will remain in place while a disciplinary investigation initiated by the state party leadership conducts its assignment.
This decision follows a formal request by the Ilesa East Local Government APC Executive Committee, which petitioned the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, to address Aregbesola’s alleged actions that reportedly undermined the party’s interests. The committee accused Aregbesola of fostering division within the party and collaborating with opposition groups.
Responding to the request, the state APC Executive Committee notified the party’s national leadership of Aregbesola’s suspension and the formation of a disciplinary panel to investigate the claims against him.
The decision was outlined in a resolution dated October 22, titled “Resolution Suspending Rauf Aregbesola for Anti-Party Activities and Constituting a Disciplinary Committee,” signed by the duo of the party’s state chairman Lawal and the secretary Kamar Olabisi. The document stated that the suspension aligns with Article 21 of the APC Constitution.
The statement read in part: “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.”
Aregbesola accused of factionalism and collaboration with opposition
The charges against Aregbesola include creating a faction within the APC by forming the Omoluabi Caucus, allegedly working with opposition parties to destabilize the party in Osun State, publicly criticizing key party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and immediate past governor Gboyega Oyetola, and refusing to support or participate in APC activities within the state. It was also claimed that Aregbesola has abstained from voting for the party since the 2019 general elections.
The disciplinary committee has been tasked with delivering its findings and recommendations to the state executive within 14 days, while the former governor has been formally invited to appear before the committee to defend himself against the allegations.
The Osun APC reiterated its commitment to party discipline, cautioning members to refrain from actions that could disrupt party unity and electoral success. The committee emphasized its willingness to enforce disciplinary measures on any member found guilty of violating the party’s constitution or engaging in anti-party activities.
In a subsequent letter, dated October 24 and signed by Osun APC Disciplinary Committee Secretary Waheed Adediran, Aregbesola was given 48 hours to submit a written response to the allegations. His reply will be key to the committee’s investigation into the six charges against him.
