By Milcah Tanimu

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and ex-governor of Osun State, is facing legal troubles as the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken him to court. The party accuses Aregbesola of allegedly causing factionalism within the party.

Through its counsel Ayodele Kusamotu, Yemi Akingbade, R.I.O Oloyede, and B.J Nwayen, the APC has filed a suit before the Federal High Court, Osogbo Judiciary Division. The party is seeking a declaration from the court that Aregbesola cannot validly lead suspended party members and others associated with them to launch a political, factional, and parallel group named “Omoluabi Progressives” within the APC.

The APC argues that the launch of a factional political group or party within the APC, using the party’s logo, symbol, and slogan, contravenes the constitution of Nigeria and the party’s constitution. The party contends that Aregbesola lacks the constitutional power to launch such a factional group within the party.

In addition to seeking a declaration, the APC is requesting an order from the court to proscribe and prohibit the factional group within the APC in Osun. The party is also seeking a restraining order against Aregbesola and his supporters, preventing them from forming any further factional groups or parallel associations within the party.

The suit, with the file number FHC/OS/CS/1/2024, lists Aregbesola and three others, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, Hon Rasheed Olalekan Afolabi, and Mr Lani Baderinwa, as parties involved.