The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has suspended former governor and senator for Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, along with his ally, Kunle Folarin, over alleged anti-party activities.
The suspension, announced Tuesday by the State Director of Publicity, Nuberu Olufemi, followed the ratification of the decision by the State Working Committee (SWC) chaired by Chief Yemi Sanusi.
Daniel, from Ward 4, Sagamu LGA, and Folarin, from Ward 6, were accused of gross misconduct. Disciplinary committees set up in their wards said both men ignored invitations to defend themselves, failed to submit written responses, and allegedly tried to intimidate members from cooperating.
Olufemi said the committees found they were also pressuring members to withdraw petitions against them, leading to their indefinite suspension.
The statement read, “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 defence 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 defence, 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 absence, the committees deliberated as scheduled, heard from the available witnesses, considered the available documentary evidence, and deliberated on the allegations.
“In addition, the committees received notice that the members under investigation had been harassing party members and warning them against cooperating with the committees.”
According to Olufemi, “It was further alleged that they had been using their positions within the party to pressure members to withdraw the petitions against them.
“In view of this development, the committees resolved to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and to eliminate interference by the members under investigation. Upon due consideration, the committees suspended the members indefinitely, pending further investigation and the outcome of the inquiry.”