The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, on Thursday, suspended another 26 members of the party for creating faction within its fold.
The suspension came just 24 hours after 84 party members were purged for allegedly engaging in anti-party activities.
According to Tajudeen Lawal, the chairman of the Osun APC, claims against the affected members, who are all supporters of the former governor, Rauf Aregbesola, were investigated by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, and the findings were discussed by the State Executive Committee.
Prominent among those suspended are; ex-Secretary to the State Government, Mr Moshood Adeoti; and an Executive Director, Business and Marketing NICOMSAT Abuja, Mr Najeem Salaam; who was Speaker of the State House of Assembly during Aregbesola’s tenure as governor.
Also on the list are Senator Mudasiru Hussain, who currently serves as Osun State Commissioner in the National Population Commission; ex-commissioners during Aregbesola’s tenure, Adelani Baderinwa, Sikiru Ayedun and Kazeem Salami.
Others suspended are; the chairman of the defunct The Osun Progressives, Mr. Adelowo Adebiyi; ex-Deputy State APC chairman, Mr. Adesiji Azeez; and ex-Assistant Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Gbenga Akano.
The list of the suspended members also have:
10 Mr. Kunle Ige
11. Mr. Biodun Agboola
12. Barr. Gbenga Awosode
13. Mr. Rasheed Opatola.
14. Hon. Gbenga Ogunkanmi
15. Hon. Israel Oyekunle
16. Hon. MBO Ibraheem
17. Mr. Akeem Olaoye
18. Hon. Francis Famurewa
19. Hon. Tajudeen Famuyide
20. Hon. (Mrs.) Adenike Abioye
21. Hon. Wasiu Adebayo
22. Hon. Rasheed Afolabi
23. Mr. Segun Olanibi
24. Mr. Tunde Ajilore
25. Mr Ganiyu Ismaila Opeyemi.
26. Mr Zakariah Khalid, Olaoluwa-South LCDA.
The statement announcing the decision of the party further read, “Following complaints of anti-party activities, the State Executive Committee of the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress constituted a Disciplinary Committee to investigate the allegations against some of its members.
“This disciplinary measure came in response to the allegations of misconduct bordering on factionalization of the party and creating parallel party organ.
“The Disciplinary Committee undertook a thorough and impartial review of the allegations and the findings were carefully deliberated upon by the State Executive Committee.
“As we move forward, we enjoin our members to remain focused on our goals and continue working together to serve the interests of our constituents and our State. Our commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to our party’s core values remains unwavering.”