By Ayo Kehinde
The All Progressives Congress in Osun State has expelled former governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over alleged anti-party activities.
Aregbesola, who served two terms as governor and later held a ministerial position in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, had been at odds with the party leadership in Osun, leading to a deep factional divide.
His expulsion follows a decision by the Osun APC State Executive Committee which accused him of sabotaging the party’s chances in the 2022 governorship election, resulting in the defeat of the APC to the People’s Democratic Party.
Aregbesola had led a faction of the APC known as the Omoluabi Caucus, which on Sunday, declared its exit from the party, citing a decline in APC’s popularity in Osun.
In a letter jointly signed by Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, and Secretary, Olabisi Kamoru, the party accused Aregbesola of violating Article 21 of the APC constitution, which outlines disciplinary measures for members engaging in anti-party activities.
“At the end of the investigation, the State Executive Committee reviewed the report of the Disciplinary Committee. Based on clear evidence of your actions, which undermined the unity and integrity of the party, the SEC resolved to approve your immediate expulsion from the APC,” the letter read.
The letter further stated that Aregbesola must cease to identify as a member of the party or act on its behalf in any capacity.
“While acknowledging your past contributions to the party, we trust that you will comply with this decision and act according to the directives in this communication,” the APC leadership stated.
