The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expelled former Interior Minister and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, for alleged anti-party activities. This decision follows a series of events that have raised tensions between Aregbesola and the party leadership.
Aregbesola, who served as Osun State Governor for two consecutive terms, has been associated with a faction within the APC, originally known as The Osun Progressives. This faction later rebranded itself as the Omoluabi Caucus, which has been seen as a significant force within the state’s politics. However, the relationship between Aregbesola and the national APC leadership has soured in recent months, leading to his expulsion.
The APC’s decision to expel Aregbesola was formally communicated through a letter from the party leadership, which was shared with the press on Wednesday. The letter, titled “Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You,” outlined the reasons for the expulsion, particularly pointing to actions that allegedly went against the interests of the party.
According to the letter, the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) reviewed the findings of an investigation and carefully examined the recommendations of a disciplinary committee. The SEC noted that Aregbesola’s actions were in clear violation of the party’s constitution, specifically Article 21, which addresses disciplinary matters. The committee’s report found evidence that Aregbesola’s conduct undermined the unity and integrity of the APC.
The letter reads in part, “At the end of the investigation, the State Executive Committee (SEC) considered the report of the Disciplinary Committee. Having carefully reviewed the findings and recommendations, the SEC resolved to approve your immediate expulsion from the APC.”
The letter further added, “The decision was predicated on clear evidence of your actions, which undermined the unity and integrity of the party. As a result, you are no longer a member of the APC and must refrain from holding yourself out as one or acting on behalf of the party in any capacity.”
Aregbesola’s expulsion follows a meeting on Sunday, where the Omoluabi Caucus, led by the former minister, decided to break away from the APC. During this meeting, the group expressed their dissatisfaction with the party’s declining influence in Osun State and its overall performance. The Caucus’s decision to exit the party has further fueled the tensions between Aregbesola and the APC leadership.
