Mr. Tajudeen Lawal, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, has made it clear that party members who engaged in anti-party activities during the governorship and general elections in the state will not be exempt from punishment.
Lawal expressed this stance during a welcome home party organized by the APC Reformation Forum in Ijesa Federal Constituency. The event aimed to honor Ijesa sons who served at the national and state assembly, as well as in the cabinet of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, on Sunday in Ilesa.
Following a party crisis, the APC lost the governorship election on July 16, 2022, along with all the national assembly seats to the PDP. In light of this, the chairman urged “genuine members” not to lose hope and encouraged them to work diligently and remain committed so that the party can regain power in 2026.
“No member of the party involved in anti-party activities during the last governorship and general elections in the state will be spared,” Lawal stated.
He also addressed the statement from the elders’ caucus, which suggested that the immediate past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, should seek genuine forgiveness to rejoin the party. Lawal clarified that the caucus plays an advisory role and that the party will soon clarify its position on the matter.
“Meanwhile, we must be clear about this, we are not restructuring the party. The party is intact in Osun under Baba Bisi Akande and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola,” Lawal emphasized.
During the event, the immediate past Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, encouraged party members to work together harmoniously and promote peace. He emphasized that unity within the party would enhance their chances of winning the 2026 elections.
Another awardee at the event, the immediate past State Commissioner for Works, Oluremi Omowaye, asserted that party members involved in anti-party activities must face sanctions before being allowed back. Omowaye emphasized that although politics is a game of numbers, the party should not tolerate indiscipline.
“I am an advocate of ‘the more, the merrier,’ but it is important that we send a message to those involved in anti-party activities so that others will not engage in such acts in the future,” Omowaye stated.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee for the event, Mr. Lukman Abubakre, explained that the occasion aimed to acknowledge the dedication of sons and daughters of Ijesa land in serving their homeland.