OSOGBO, Nigeria – Senator Ajibola Basiru has dismissed the influence of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola in the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State.
In a conversation with reporters during a welcome back event at his senatorial office in Osogbo, the state capital, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Basiru asserted that Aregbesola, who was once the governor of the state, no longer holds a leadership position within the APC.
Basiru criticised Aregbesola for failing to support the party or President Bola Tinubu in their campaigns or during the elections.
“Mr. Aregbesola was our leader, but I don’t know which party he belongs to now. I am not abusing him. Even Asiwaju, his benefactor, didn’t vote for him,” Basiru stated.
He challenged Aregbesola to disclose which party he voted for in the governorship, presidential, and House of Assembly elections.
“For the past three elections, we have not seen him participating in any of our party’s activities,” Basiru noted, calling into question Aregbesola’s loyalty to the APC.
The senator went on to name “Baba (former Governor) Bisi Akande and (former Governor) Gboyega Oyetola” as the current leaders of the APC in Osun.
Basiru recalled that Aregbesola was notably absent at “four important processes” leading up to the general elections, including primary and campaign events.
He concluded by stating that Aregbesola’s refusal to support his “mentor” in securing the APC’s candidacy is “a moral question they must answer.”
