The All Progressives Congress (APC) has kicked out former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola for anti-party activities.
His expulsion comes at a time of deepening crisis in the party in Osun State.
Aregbesola, who served two terms as governor, was a big man in the APC but later became a factional leader of The Osun Progressives which later rebranded to Omoluabi Caucus (The Punch).
The faction has been at war with the mainstream APC leadership in the state and speculations have been rife about Aregbesola’s rift with the party leadership.
A letter from the APC leadership obtained by journalists on Wednesday confirmed the expulsion.
The letter titled “Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You” accused Aregbesola of violating Article 21 of the party’s constitution which deals with disciplinary measures for members.
According to the letter, the State Executive Committee (SEC) reviewed the report of the disciplinary committee and found substantial evidence that Aregbesola’s actions had eroded the party’s unity and integrity.
The letter stated that his actions was detrimental to the party’s cohesion and therefore decided to remove him from the party. He is no longer a member and can no longer represent the party in any capacity.
Aregbesola’s expulsion came after a meeting of the Omoluabi Caucus on Sunday where he was the chief guest of honour.
At the meeting the faction announced its decision to pull out of the APC citing the party’s waning influence in Osun State.
The exit of the faction deepens the crisis in the APC in the state and further highlights the internal wrangling that has been going on in the party since the last governorship election.
This is a big shift in Osun politics as Aregbesola who was a big man in the APC is now out.
His next move is unknown but his expulsion will have a big impact on the party’s future in the state.