Following what is perceived as a cold war between him and the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has dissolved all political groups in the state.
This was announced during the meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) held at Tinubu’s residence, Bourdillon, Lagos this afternoon.
The Justice Forum and Mandate Groups, the two major political blocs that formed the party in the state, are prominent among the groups affected.
According to reports, the GAC warned that any member of the party that flouts the order would be severely sanctioned.
Meanwhile, Aregbesola was accused of launching political groups in the state without the knowledge of Tinubu, who is regarded as the party’s leader.
There are also rumours that the former Osun state governor is interested in running for president in 2023; an ambition that may pit him against Tinubu who is also touted to be eyeing the position.
In a communique signed by 27 party chieftains who are members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), they said:
It was unequivocally resolved that all factions like JG and MG are inimical to party unity and are hereby permanently disbanded and prohibited within the party.
Party members should no longer make use of these factions or their names with regard to future party business and activities. To continue to hold meetings in the name of these groups or to continue to promote such associations will amount to a violation of this resolution.
The only permitted use of the names will be limited to historic references. Any violation of this decision is subject to party discipline, including suspension and expulsion. This prohibition extends solely to official party business. We are in no way trying to abridge anyone’s constitutional rights to free speech or assembly. The party chairman is hereby tasked with promulgating more detailed regulations with regard to prohibited and permissible activities for sub-party groupings.
The party remains supreme. It has developed structures from the ward level to local government and state levels. These are recognized by the party’s constitution. They are adequate platforms for members to congregate and to present their views.
The APC in Lagos is one party and one family. We must always act in this spirit if we are to attain the dream of democratic prosperity that we set out to achieve. We must do this in honor of June 12 and those who gave of themselves to make democracy our reality.
Signatories to the communique include Tinubu, Babajide Sanwoolu, the state governor, Obafemi Hamzat, the deputy governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babatunde Raji Fashola, both former governors.
Others are: Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Henry Oladele Ajomale, Bushura Alebiosu, Abiodun Ogunleye, Murphy Adetoro, James Odunmbaku, Tony Adefuye, S.A. Seriki, Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Rabiu Oluwa, M.A. Taiwo, Mutiu Lawal Are, Yomi Finnih, Muyiwa Sosanya, Tunde Samuel, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Rasak Lanre, Mudashiru Adisa Obasa (speaker), Babatunde Balogun, Wale Edun, Ranti Adebule and Kemi Nelson.