Toba Owojaiye Reporting
A total of 84 loyalists of the former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, have been expelled from the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to their involvement in activities against the party’s principles.
Their expulsion came about because they accepted political roles offered by Governor Ademola Adeleke, such as becoming Commissioners and joining the Osun State and Local Government Caretaker Committees.
There are indications that the party might also take disciplinary measures against Aregbesola himself. He admitted in an interview that he intentionally worked against the APC’s efforts in the state’s 2022 gubernatorial election.
Notably, among those expelled from the party are the current Osun State Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-Governmental Relations, Biyi Odunlade, and Rasaq Salinsile, who Governor Adeleke appointed as Chairman of the Osun Teaching Service Commission.
The announcement of the members’ expulsion was made by Tajudeen Lawal, the Osun APC Chairman. This action was taken after the State Executive Committee formed a Disciplinary Committee to investigate complaints of anti-party activities by certain members. The decision to expel these individuals was a challenging but necessary step to address their misconduct, which brought disgrace to the party.
Lawal urged party members to stay focused on the party’s objectives and collaborate to further the State’s interests. It’s worth noting that Governor Adeleke, representing the Peoples Democratic Party, emerged victorious against the incumbent, Gboyega Oyetola, who was an APC candidate. Oyetola’s attempts to overturn Adeleke’s victory were unsuccessful at both the tribunal and the Supreme Court.