Osun APC Declares Rauf Aregbesola No Longer a Member Amid Internal Disputes

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has officially declared former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, no longer a member of the party. This decision follows allegations of anti-party activities and the establishment of a rival faction within the state.

The state party leadership has accused Aregbesola of causing distractions and opposition to the party's interests, particularly with the creation of a group called The Omoluabi Progressives (TOP). This group has begun its own membership registration, which the party states is unauthorized.

At a gathering of concerned individuals held at the party secretariat in Osogbo, the Osun APC leadership emphasized that any form of registration by Aregbesola's group is not recognized. Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal stated, *"The party has not started any membership registration in the state. Any form of registration on behalf of the party is unknown to any organ of the party; therefore, members should ignore such registration in whatever form. "*

Party Secretary Kamoru Alao reiterated that Aregbesola is no longer considered a member of the APC in Osun State. "As far as we are concerned in Osun APC, Rauf Aregbesola is no longer a member," Alao declared. The state APC has reported Aregbesola's anti-party activities to the party's National Executive Committee three times, urging them to take necessary action.

Why this matters: The internal conflict within Osun State's APC has broader implications for the party's national structure and leadership. The outcome of this conflict could lead to a shift in power dynamics within the party, affecting its ability to govern effectively.

The Osun APC is set to commence electronic membership registration in line with directives from the national secretariat. The party has warned members to ignore any registration exercises conducted by unauthorized groups, including Aregbesola’s TOP.

This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Aregbesola and the Osun State APC leadership, particularly with the former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. Oyetola, who lost his re-election bid in the last governorship election, has been at odds with Aregbesola over party control and direction.

Benedict Alabi, the former deputy governor of Osun State, defended Oyetola's leadership, stating, "Anyone calling for Oyetola's dismissal is merely playing politics. Everyone knows he is a silent worker and achiever."

The APC in Osun State is awaiting the national leadership’s decision on Aregbesola’s status. Alao expressed confidence that the national secretariat would act soon, stating, "We have taken steps three times to notify the National Secretariat that Aregbesola is giving us distractions in APC in the state and it behoves the party at the national level to do the needful in dealing with him because he is a national figure."

The party prepares for its electronic membership registration, and the outcome of this internal conflict and the national committee's decision will be closely watched.

Key Takeaways

• Osun APC declares Rauf Aregbesola no longer a party member due to anti-party activities.
• Aregbesola's group, Omoluabi Progressives, is conducting unauthorized membership registration.
• Osun APC reports Aregbesola's activities to National Executive Committee for action.
• Internal conflict may impact APC's national structure and leadership.
• Osun APC to commence electronic membership registration, warns against unauthorized exercises.