The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has placed two of its members, former governor Gbenga Daniel and Hon. Kunle Folarin, on indefinite suspension over allegations of anti-party conduct.
According to the party’s spokesman, Nuberu Olufemi, the suspension was recommended by their respective wards following accusations of activities deemed harmful to the APC.
The Ogun State Working Committee confirmed that the decision fell within its authority.
“Upon due consideration, the Committees suspended the members indefinitely, pending further investigation and the outcome of the Committees’ inquiry. Copies of the letters of indefinite suspension had been sent to the State Chairman for consideration and approval of the State Working Committee,” explained Yemi Sanusi, the State Chairman, who presided over the meeting on August 19 with sixteen members present.
Sanusi noted that “The meeting considered the reports of the following Disciplinary Committees investigating allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities against the two members in Ward 4 and Ward 6 of Sagamu Local Government, respectively.
“Ward 4, Sagamu Local Government, set up a Disciplinary Committee on the alleged misconduct bordering on anti-party activities committed by Senator Gbenga Daniel. Similarly, Ward 6, Sagamu Local Government, set up a Disciplinary Committee on the allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities allegedly committed by Hon. Kunle Folarin.
“They wrote to the members under investigation, inviting them to the disciplinary meetings at which they were to be heard and allowed to present evidence in their defense or request pardon from the party. However, both members failed to respond to the invitations extended to them in writing, failed to provide a written defense, and failed to attend the disciplinary meetings at which they were to be given the opportunity to defend themselves.
“In view of their deliberate and unexplained absences, the Committees deliberated as scheduled, heard from the available witnesses, considered the available documentary evidence, and deliberated on the allegations.
“In addition to the above, the Committees received notice that the members under investigation had been harassing party members and warning members against cooperating with the Committees, and further that the members under investigation had been using their statuses within the party to pressure party members to withdraw the petitions against them.”
The party maintained that the suspension was necessary to safeguard “the integrity of the disciplinary process and to eliminate interference by the members under investigation.”
It further stated that the decision was based on the refusal of the accused members to cooperate with investigators, coupled with their alleged attempts to intimidate and influence other members into retracting their petitions.
“The State Working Committee has ratified the suspensions; the meeting demonstrates the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding its constitution,” the statement concluded.
What you should know
Gbenga Daniel, who governed Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, is an influential figure in Nigerian politics and an established leader within the APC.
His suspension, alongside Hon. Kunle Folarin, represents a critical development within the party, signaling stricter enforcement of discipline ahead of elections. Both men were accused of misconduct and anti-party activities but reportedly refused to participate in the disciplinary process.
The APC leadership also alleged they attempted to intimidate members and obstruct investigations. Their indefinite suspension underscores the party’s effort to protect its constitution, strengthen internal order, and safeguard unity in Ogun’s political landscape.
