Dr. Ajibola Basiru, the former senator representing Osun Central in the 9th Senate, expressed skepticism on Wednesday regarding the membership of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Basiru cited Aregbesola’s activities leading up to the recent general elections as the basis for his doubts.
Speaking at his campaign office in Osogbo while giving an account of his tenure in the Red Chamber, Basiru explained that he did not visit the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, to seek support for his reelection bid. He stated that the monarch did not exhibit impartiality between parties fielding candidates in the election.
During his speech, Basiru failed to mention Aregbesola when acknowledging the eminent leaders of the APC and expressing gratitude for their contributions in maintaining party unity. When asked about Aregbesola’s absence from the list of APC leaders, Basiru pointed out that during the National Assembly election, Aregbesola did not campaign, support the party, or even cast his vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, their benefactor and mentor. Basiru also questioned Aregbesola’s participation in the subsequent House of Assembly election.
In response, Mr. Sola Fasure, an aide to Aregbesola, stated that the former governor of Osun is currently focused on unifying the APC in the state. Fasure emphasized that Aregbesola’s actions demonstrate his commitment to the party.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, and further clarification may be needed to ascertain Aregbesola’s current party affiliation.
