The former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has been suspended by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun State Chapter for alleged anti-party activities.
The suspension is with immediate effect, as the state’s party leadership has begun a disciplinary proceeding against the former governor of the state.
Aregbesola was suspended after a request from the Ilesa East Local Government APC Executive Committee, which petitioned the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, accusing him of undermining the APC.
The committee, in a letter, said Aregbesola colluded with opposition parties and caused a faction in the party.
The Osun State APC Executive Committee has informed the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, of Aregbesola’s suspension and to establish a disciplinary panel to investigate the charges.
Osun APC Chairman Lawal and Secretary Kamar Olabisi signed the resolution, dated October 22, titled announcing the suspension of Aregbesola which it said was 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.
Aregbesola include, is being accused also of forming the Omoluabi Caucus splinter group; 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.
He is also being accused of 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, the letter said, adding that it has invited Aregbesola to appear and defend himself against the allegations.
“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.
Aregebsola, in another letter dated October 24, has 48 hours to respond to the allegations.
