ABEOKUTA – The State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has officially ratified the indefinite suspension of two of its prominent members, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Honourable Kunle Folarin.
The ratification follows the initial suspension of the duo by their respective wards in Sagamu Local Government over allegations of anti-party activities and misconduct.
The decision was reached during a meeting of the State Working Committee held on August 19, which was chaired by the State Chairman of the party, Chief Yemi Sanusi, and attended by sixteen members. The committee reviewed the reports from disciplinary committees set up by Ward 4 and Ward 6 of Sagamu Local Government to investigate the allegations.
According to the party’s statement, Ward 4 in Sagamu Local Government constituted a Disciplinary Committee to investigate alleged misconduct and anti-party activities by Senator Gbenga Daniel. Similarly, Ward 6 set up a committee to probe allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities against Hon. Kunle Folarin.
The party stated that both members were formally invited in writing to attend disciplinary meetings where they would have been heard and allowed to present evidence in their defense or seek pardon. However, they failed to respond to the invitations, did not provide a written defense, and were absent from the scheduled meetings.
In view of their deliberate and unexplained absences, the Committees proceeded with their deliberations as scheduled. They heard from available witnesses and considered documentary evidence related to the allegations.
Furthermore, the Committees received notifications that the members under investigation had been allegedly harassing party members and warning them against cooperating with the investigative process. It was also alleged that the members were using their status within the party to pressure members to withdraw the petitions filed against them.
In light of these developments, the Committees resolved to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and eliminate interference by the members under investigation.
After due consideration, the Committees decided to suspend the members indefinitely, pending further investigation and the final outcome of their inquiries. Letters communicating the indefinite suspension were forwarded to the State Chairman for the consideration and approval of the State Working Committee. The suspensions were primarily based on the members’ failure to cooperate with the investigation and their attempts to pressure party members.
The SWC has now ratified the suspensions. The party described the meeting as a demonstration of its commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding its constitution.
