The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a drastic step by suspending former governor and current senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, along with loyalist Kunle Folarin.
The announcement came after accusations of anti-party activities and misconduct surfaced, casting a shadow over party discipline and raising questions about internal fractures within the APC ranks.
Suspension Sparks Controversy in Ogun APC
The decision was disclosed in a statement by the APC’s Director of Publicity, Nuberu Olufemi, following a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Both Daniel and Folarin, representing Ward 4 and Ward 6 of Sagamu Local Government Area respectively, have been suspended indefinitely.
This punitive action came on the heels of disciplinary committee reports that detailed their alleged roles in undermining party cohesion.
Often criticized for internal power struggles, the Ogun APC’s move exposes deeper issues within the ruling party at the state level.
The suspension of a former governor and a sitting senator is a stark reminder of intense rivalry and factionalism plaguing the party.
Disciplinary Committees Investigate Alleged Misconduct
According to the APC statement, separate disciplinary committees were established in both wards to investigate the claims against Daniel and Folarin.
Ward 4’s committee probed Senator Daniel’s conduct, while Ward 6’s looked into Folarin’s alleged gross misconduct and anti-party behavior.
Both men were formally summoned to appear before their respective committees, where they had the chance to defend themselves or seek forgiveness.
Yet, rather than comply, the duo allegedly ignored multiple invitations without offering any written defense or justifications.
Ignoring Party Invitations Heightens Suspicions
Sources reveal that the party extended written invitations for the disciplinary sessions to both accused members.
This was meant to provide an opportunity for due process.
Allowing them to clear their names or mitigate the allegations.
However, reports show that neither Daniel nor Folarin responded or showed up for their hearings.
This blatant disregard for the party’s procedures has been widely condemned within the APC.
Notably, the disciplinary bodies accused the suspended members of actively frustrating the inquiry process.
They reportedly made attempts to intimidate and harass party members, blocking cooperation with the committees.
It is said that they used their influence in the party to coerce members into withdrawing petitions lodged against them.
Such conduct, if true, points to a dangerous abuse of power that threatens internal democracy within the APC.
APC Claims Suspension Is Necessary for Party Integrity
The disciplinary committees recommended indefinite suspensions, pending a thorough investigation and final inquiry outcomes.
The State Working Committee subsequently ratified and approved these recommendations.
According to the APC’s public statement, this decisive measure reflects a strong commitment to discipline and the party constitution.
However, critics argue that the suspension might be less about preserving discipline and more about suppressing dissent.
Gbenga Daniel, a controversial figure with a loyal support base, has long been at odds with some elements within the Ogun APC leadership.
This move could therefore be interpreted as an attempt to silence a powerful faction, thereby consolidating control for certain interests.
Internal Divisions Threaten APC’s Political Stability
Observers have noted that the suspension of high-profile members such as Daniel and Folarin exacerbates existing tensions within the Ogun APC.
The party already struggles with factionalism.
And this painful purge could lead to further defections or infighting ahead of upcoming elections.
The APC risks alienating influential lawmakers and grassroots supporters who resonate with the suspended members, compromising its electoral prospects.
This incident exposes glaring challenges in the APC’s internal governance and conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Instead of addressing grievances through dialogue, leadership appears to rely heavily on punitive actions, which may undermine long-term party unity.
A Strategic Move or Political Witch Hunt?
While the APC leadership insists the suspensions were necessary to uphold the party’s integrity, some political analysts see the action as a political witch hunt against Gbenga Daniel.
Considering Daniel’s stature and influence, his suspension is likely to ignite debates about fairness and political persecution within the party.
Questions remain about the transparency and impartiality of the investigation process.
Was the committee truly independent, or was it influenced by rival factions?
The absence of Daniel and Folarin during the disciplinary proceedings only fuels suspicions that party protocols may have been weaponized to settle scores.
The Bigger Picture: APC’s Internal Crisis in Ogun State
The suspension episode underscores the broader crisis facing the APC in Ogun State.
Party cohesion is visibly weakened by unresolved leadership disputes and factional loyalties.
Instead of fostering inclusion, the APC’s disciplinary mechanisms risk becoming tools for exclusion and political vendettas.
Gbenga Daniel’s suspension could alienate his supporters, who may view the party as intolerant of dissent.
Meanwhile, the party leadership must reckon with the unintended consequences of such controversial disciplinary moves.
Which may erode voter confidence and political goodwill in a crucial state.
Consequences Beyond Suspension
Yet, this episode reveals deeper fractures within the ruling party and raises uncomfortable questions about internal democracy, accountability, and transparency.
How the party handles this situation could impact its political fortunes in Ogun State profoundly.
For now, the indefinite suspension leaves more questions than answers and sets the stage for further turbulence within the APC’s ranks.
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