…dissolves groups operating within Lagos APC
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, dissolved all political groups in the state.
The dissolved groups include the powerful and influential Mandate Group and the Justice Forum.
Tinubu’s dissolution of the political groups was announced at Tuesday’s meeting of the Governors’ Advisory Committee in Lagos.
First News learnt that the development followed the ‘outbreak’ of a cold war between the APC national leader and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who is also one of his political associates.
Aregbesola, it was gathered, had launched some political groups in the state without the approval and blessings of Tinubu, who is regarded as the political leader of the state.
The former Osun governor, it was gathered, recently re-launched the Mandate Group, comprising Tinubu’s loyalists, without the knowledge of the APC national leader.
Speculations are rife that, just like Tinubu, the minister may be eyeing the nation’s presidency in 2023, a development that may set him on a collision course with the APC national leader, who is his political godfather.
But Aregbesola has denied any interest in the 2023 presidential race.
The 27 members of the GAC, in a communique jointly signed by them, said, “It was unequivocally resolved that all factions like JG and MG are inimical to party unity and are hereby permanently disbanded and prohibited within the party.
“Party members should no longer make use of these factions or their names with regard to future party business and activities. To continue to hold meetings in the name of these groups or to continue to promote such associations will amount to a violation of this resolution.
“The only permitted use of the names will be limited to historic references. Any violation of this decision is subject to party discipline, including suspension and expulsion. This prohibition extends solely to official party business. We are in no way trying to abridge anyone’s constitutional rights to free speech or assembly. The party chairman is hereby tasked with promulgating more detailed regulations with regard to prohibited and permissible activities for sub-party groupings.
“The party remains supreme. It has developed structures from the ward level to local government and state levels. These are recognized by the party’s constitution. They are adequate platforms for members to congregate and to present their views.
“The APC in Lagos is one party and one family. We must always act in this spirit if we are to attain the dream of democratic prosperity that we set out to achieve. We must do this in honor of June 12 and those who gave of themselves to make democracy our reality.”
The APC chieftains who signed the communique are: Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat; and ex-governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Babatunde Raji Fashola.
Others include: Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Henry Oladele Ajomale, Bushura Alebiosu, Abiodun Ogunleye, Murphy Adetoro, James Odunmbaku, Tony Adefuye, S. A. Seriki, Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Rabiu Oluwa, M.A. Taiwo, Mutiu Lawal Are, Yomi Finnih, Muyiwa Sosanya, Tunde Samuel, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Rasak Lanre, Mudashiru Adisa Obasa (speaker), Babatunde Balogun, Wale Edun, Ranti Adebule and Kemi Nelson.