Rauf Aregbesola, the former governor of Osun State, is being sued by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a Federal High Court located in Osogbo for allegedly inciting division within the party.
Through its attorneys, Ayodele Kusamotu, Yemi Akingbade, R.I.O. Oloyede, and B.J. Nwayen, the APC requested that the court rule that Aregbesola is ineligible to lead suspended party members and other associates in the formation of a political faction and parallel group within the party called Omoluabi Progressives.
The APC argued that the aforementioned formation of a factional political group or party inside the party, using the party’s emblem, symbol, and slogan, is deemed to have violated both the party’s and Nigeria’s constitutions.
The party requested a court order to outlaw and proscribe the factional group within the APC in Osun State, arguing that Aregbesola lacks the constitutional authority to create such a group within the party.
Additionally, the party requested that the court forbid Aregbesola and his backers from creating any new factional groups or parallel associations within the party.
Suit number FHC/OS/CS/1/2024, which was filed before a Federal High Court in the Osogbo Judiciary Division, contained this information.
The former governor Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Rasheed Olalekan Afolabi, and Mr. Lani Baderinwa were the other three parties involved in the lawsuit that the APC joined.
We were able to obtain the court process in the January 4, 2024, originating summons yesterday.
“That the second defendant cannot validly lead the third and fourth defendants who are suspended members of the plaintiff or any other person or persons to form a parallel political association or group within a similar or same name of the plaintiff by using the plaintiff’s logo, symbol, and slogan without registration with the first defendant in compliance with the provisions of Sections 221 and 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Sections 75(1)(2)(3) and 79(1)(2)(3)(a)(b)(c) of the Electoral Act 2022.” The plaintiff requested the following relief after the questions were considered.
The second through fourth defendants are prohibited from forming a rival political organization or a factional political group under the same name as the plaintiff, nor can they hold political gatherings using the plaintiff’s logo, symbol, or slogan without first registering with the first defendant in accordance with Sections 221 and 222 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Sections 75(1)(2)(3) and 79(1)(2)(a)(b)(c) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
For the purpose of establishing the Executive Council or Committee of the plaintiff at any level or proposing candidates for any elective positions under the provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) Constitution, the first defendant is prohibited from attending, recognizing, or accepting any congress or convention held or to be held by the second through fourth defendants and any other persons associating with them in their factional and parallel political group or association.
An order that forbids the unlawful parallel and factional association of the defendants ranging from the second to the fourth in the same name as the plaintiff, impersonating the plaintiff’s registered symbol, logo, and slogan in order to conduct political activities under the name Omoluabi Progressives (APC).
“General damages in the plaintiff’s favor of N5 million, jointly or severally, against the defendants ranked second through fourth.”
“Cost of action at N 2 million jointly or severally in the plaintiff’s favor against the second through fourth defendants, plus 10% interest on the judgment amount until final liquidation.”
Recently, Aregbesola established Omoluabi Progressives in Osun State, bringing the party under the All Progressives Congress umbrella and assuring his supporters of his dedication to progressive principles.
