The Osun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted claims that former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, was appointed to the federal cabinet through President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement.
In a statement on Saturday, the party insisted that Aregbesola’s ministerial nomination in 2019 was the decision of Osun APC stakeholders and former President Muhammadu Buhari, and not Tinubu’s backing as promoted.
The ADC accused Ismail Omipidan, a former aide spokesperson to ex-Governor Gboyega Oyetola, of spreading what it called “deliberate lies,” suggesting that Tinubu played a role in the appointment.
“For the records, when it was time for Buhari to form his cabinet, authentic stakeholders of the Osun APC unanimously nominated Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,” the statement signed by Osun ADC New Media Publicity Secretary, Akande Abimbola, read.
Instead, Oyetola allegedly recommended Senator Iyiola Omisore, Professor Isaac Adewole, and Professor Adeyeye to the presidency, the group stated.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that Omipidan, in an interview with radio personality, Edmund Obilo, had stated that it was President Bola Tinubu and Chief Adebisi Akande who backed Aregbesola’s nomination.
He also claimed that Oyetola’s nomination of Omisore complied with an agreement reached when the latter worked with the APC during the 2018 governorship supplementary election.
According to Osun ADC New Media group, Aregbesola only informed Tinubu of the development, but was advised to abandon the ministerial bid for a board chairmanship. “Tinubu kept him waiting for 45 minutes before reluctantly telling him to forget about being a minister.”
Despite what it described as hostility from Tinubu and sabotage from Oyetola, the ADC said Buhari included Aregbesola’s name on his ministerial list. “On two occasions, Tinubu lobbied Buhari to remove him, but the President refused,” it added.
The party stressed that Buhari stood by Aregbesola, acknowledging his contributions to the birth of the APC and the Buhari presidency.
“Despite Tinubu’s hostility and Oyetola’s attempt to sideline him, Buhari released his ministerial list with Aregbesola’s name included, reflecting the will of Osun APC stakeholders. On two occasions, Tinubu went back to Buhari lobbying for Aregbesola’s removal.
“Yet Buhari refused, reminding Tinubu that Aregbesola had worked tirelessly for the birth of APC and for the Buhari presidency, and could not be pushed aside for petty political grudges.
“Let it be known: Aregbesola’s ministerial slot was the mandate of Osun APC stakeholders, ratified by Buhari himself. Tinubu neither nominated nor endorsed him; in fact, he fought against him.
“We therefore put it to Omipidan and his masters: stop peddling falsehood. No amount of propaganda can erase the truth. Aregbesola did not ride on Tinubu’s endorsement; he stood on the strength of Osun APC stakeholders and Buhari’s recognition of his sacrifice,” Abimbola said.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
