The Osun chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended former governor and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, citing alleged anti-party activities. According to the party, Aregbesola is accused of forming splinter groups within the APC and making public statements against prominent party figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Osun governor Bisi Akande, and Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

In a letter addressed to the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), Tajudeen Lawal and Alao Kamoru, Osun APC’s chair and secretary, stated that the party’s State Working Committee found grounds for these allegations based on reports from the Ilesa East Local Government, where Aregbesola is from. The letter, quoted by PUNCH, explained that Aregbesola’s suspension follows article 21 (2) and article 21 (3) (vi) (c) of the APC’s constitution, with the State Executive Committee (SEC) forming a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.

“Aregbesola’s alleged anti-party activities are a breach of our constitution,” the statement read. “The disciplinary committee will ensure he has a fair opportunity to respond to these claims, as we uphold the collective interest of the APC.” The dispute between Tinubu and Aregbesola traces back to 2020 when Aregbesola restructured the Mandate Group an association originally loyal to Tinubu and installed his own allies, led by Abdullahi Enilolobo, at the helm. Despite reconciliation attempts before the 2023 general elections, the rift remains unresolved, intensifying internal tensions in the party.

The suspension aims to restore unity within the Osun APC as it looks ahead to future elections. Aregbesola has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.