APC suspends former minister

APC suspends former minister-cum-former governor of Osun state. It’s unprecedented in the state. He is accused of anti-party activities but his supporters deny it all.

The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Rauf Aregbesola, the former governor of the state and former Interior Minister. The suspension is immediate and will stand pending the results of disciplinary actions against him.

The APC’s Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee initiated the suspension, citing allegations of anti-party actions. They argue this action is essential for restoring party unity and deterring others from engaging in similar activities.

In an official resolution sent to APC’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Osun State APC outlined accusations against Aregbesola. The document accuses him of creating divisions within the party. Allegedly, he organized splinter groups, supported opposition parties in Osun, and criticized prominent APC leaders like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 A legacy complicated by allegations

Aregbesola, once a close ally of President Tinubu, faces increased scrutiny from party members. Reports claim he showed support for opposition factions during the recent elections, further straining relations within APC.

The Osun State Disciplinary Committee has formally requested a written response from Aregbesola to address these accusations, ensuring the investigation adheres to APC’s constitutional guidelines. An Ilesa East Executive member revealed that Aregbesola’s suspension followed a detailed inquiry. An observer said it seems to be the turn of APC to suspend his bigwigs, after PDP recently did its own.

As APC suspends former Minister Aregbesola, his camp reacts

Sources close to Aregbesola see the suspension as politically motivated. They argue that the Osun APC leadership is using the allegations to push him out of the party. Aregbesola himself has not yet commented, leaving observers to interpret the situation.

The allegations against Aregbesola center on accusations of anti-party activities, particularly during recent elections. He was accused of  supporting opposition candidates. This move, party members argue, directly conflicts with APC’s interests and principles.

The Osun APC leadership also accuses Aregbesola of creating internal divisions within the party by forming splinter groups that weakened party cohesion. His alleged public criticism of influential APC figures, such as President Bola Tinubu, further fueled the claims, suggesting a break from party loyalty.

This suspension marks a notable first in Osun State. The APC has not previously suspended a former governor and cabinet minister. This unprecedented action underscores the party’s heightened concerns over loyalty and unity within its ranks.  The party seeks to prevent influential members from allegedly undermining its integrity.