The All Progressives Congress (Osun State chapter) has suspended former governor Rauf Aregbesola over allegations of anti-party activities.
APC executive committee of Ilesa East Local Government petitioned the state party chairman Tajudeen Lawal to take the decision.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the state’s party leadership.
Osun State APC executive committee notified the party’s national leadership, represented by APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, to take action against Aregbesola, a former minister of interior.
The resolution made available to journalists on Tuesday was dated October 22 and signed by Osun APC chairman Lawal and secretary Kamar Olabisi.
“Following complaints of anti-party activities levelled 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, creating a faction in the APC by forming the Omoluabi Caucus splinter group; allegedly collaborating with opposition parties to destabilise the APC in Osun State; publicly criticising party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, 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.
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.
