In a shocking move, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has once again wielded its disciplinary hammer, suspending 26 members of the party. This comes on the heels of the recent expulsion of 84 members due to anti-party politics. Among the suspended members are three staunch loyalists of Rauf Aregbesola, the former Osun State governor and Interior Minister in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.
Notable figures among the suspended members include Moshood Adeoti, a former chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State and former Secretary to the State Government. Adeoti, who had also contested for the governorship under the party, finds himself on the wrong side of the party’s disciplinary action.
Also suspended are Najeem Salami, a two-term Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adelowo Adebiyi, former Osun APC Chairman, Senator Mudashiru Hussein, former Osun West Senator, Adelani Baderinwa, and Sikiru Ayedun, former commissioners in Aregbesola’s cabinet.
The decision to suspend these members was announced in a statement issued by the APC’s state Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal. According to the statement, the suspension was a response to allegations of misconduct, including anti-party politicking, factionalization, and the formation of a parallel party organ in the state. The party’s Disciplinary Committee, after conducting a thorough and impartial review of the allegations, recommended the suspension.
Lawal emphasized the difficult yet necessary nature of the decision, stating, “After a comprehensive assessment of the evidence and consideration of the committee’s recommendations, the State Executive Committee has taken the difficult yet necessary step of suspending the following members indefinitely.”
The suspended members include prominent figures such as Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Hon. Najeem Salami, Senator Mudasiru Hussain, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, Adelani Baderinwa, Sikiru Ayedun, Engr Kazeem Salami, Alhaji Adesiji Azeez, Barr. Gbenga Akano, Kunle Ige, Biodun Agboola, Barr. Gbenga Awosode, Rasheed Opatola, and Gbenga Ogunkanmi.
Others on the list are Hon. Israel Oyekunle, Hon. MBO Ibraheem, Akeem Olaoye, Hon. Francis Famurewa, Hon. Tajudeen Famuyide, Hon. (Mrs.) Adenike Abioye, Hon. Wasiu Adebayo, Hon. Rasheed Afolabi, Segun Olanibi, Tunde Ajilore, Ganiyu Ismaila Opeyemi, and Zakariah Khalid, Olaoluwa-South LCDA.
This latest development has sent shockwaves through the Osun APC, as it highlights the deep divisions within the party. The suspension of Aregbesola loyalists raises questions about the power dynamics within the party and the influence of the former governor. It also underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and unity among its members.
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The fallout from these suspensions is likely to have far-reaching implications for the Osun APC. With the loss of key figures and loyalists, the party may face challenges in maintaining its stronghold in the state. The suspended members, on the other hand, may explore alternative political options, potentially leading to a realignment of political forces in Osun State.
As the news of the suspensions spreads, political analysts and observers are closely watching the reactions of other party members, particularly those aligned with Aregbesola. The former governor’s response to the disciplinary action could shape the future trajectory of the Osun APC.
In conclusion, the suspension of 26 members, including prominent Aregbesola loyalists, by the Osun APC has sent shockwaves through the party and raised questions about its unity. The decision to take disciplinary action against these members underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and order. The fallout from these suspensions is likely to have significant implications for the Osun APC and could reshape the political landscape in the state.
