Politics
Breaking: APC Suspends Ex-Governor And Tinubu’s Former Mobiliser
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, citing allegations of anti-party activities and public outbursts against key party leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Governor Chief Bisi Akande.
The suspension follows a series of internal conflicts between Aregbesola and his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, whose re-election bid in the 2022 Osun governorship election Aregbesola openly opposed. He allegedly collaborated with opposition forces during both the 2022 governorship and 2023 general elections.
In 2022, Aregbesola made headlines when he openly prayed for divine intervention to “bring down” the leadership of the APC, including Tinubu and Akande, a statement that was met with widespread criticism.
The APC leadership in Ward 8, Ifofin, Ilesa, Aregbesola’s hometown, set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the allegations against him. According to a letter dated October 24, 2024, from the Secretary of the State Disciplinary Committee, Comrade Waheed Adediran, with reference number APC/OS/RA/01, and addressed to Aregbesola, the party found him guilty on six counts of anti-party conduct.
The letter, endorsed by Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, and Secretary, Alao Kamoru, indicated that Aregbesola’s suspension is pending the outcome of further investigation. A letter obtained by The Nation and submitted to APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, confirmed the suspension.
“Following the committee’s review, the State Executive Committee (SEC) of Ilesa East Local Government has invoked its powers under Article 21(3)(vi)(c) of the party’s constitution to suspend Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from the APC pending an investigation into allegations of anti-party activities,” the letter read.
The suspension order highlighted several allegations against Aregbesola, including:
The creation of splinter groups like the “Omoluabi Caucus” within the party, supported by video evidence of their activities in Iwo.
Establishing parallel party structures.
Collaborating with opposition parties to undermine APC’s interests, as allegedly admitted by Aregbesola at the Ataoja’s Palace in Osogbo on January 4, 2024.
Publicly criticizing key party leaders, including President Tinubu, Chief Akande, and Oyetola.
Failing to support or participate in party activities within the state.
Allegedly abstaining from voting for APC since the 2019 general elections.
The party’s State Executive Committee has constituted a Disciplinary Committee to give Aregbesola an opportunity to respond to the allegations before further action is taken.
GWG.ng reports that Aregbesola was once one of the main mobilisers for the Tinubu political machine and leader of the Mandate Group in Lagos.
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