The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, over alleged anti-party activities.
The suspension was executed by the APC Executive Committee of Igbotako Ward 11 in Okitipupa Local Government Area. The notice of suspension was signed by several ward executive members, including Bakere Usuf, Tore Obwoselu, Oloyinmi Idowu, Borewaye Louyomi, Oladipupo Bose, Alkimbobola Seyi, Lawal-Babatunde, Aritawe-Ademole, Akinkuoju Olarewaju, and Fabioye Ajoke.
The decision comes in the wake of Ibrahim’s loss in the party’s governorship primary election. The suspension notice stated, “We, the members of the APC Executive Committee of Igbotako Ward 11 in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, convened a meeting on Monday, May 13th, 2024. During our meeting, we deliberated extensively on various issues affecting the progress and development of our party, notably indiscipline and insubordination among some members.”
The committee cited Ibrahim’s actions as violations of the party’s constitution, particularly highlighting his decision to sue the party and his engagement in anti-party activities. “Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim is hereby suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect for acts of insubordination and anti-party activities in accordance with Article 21, Section A of the APC Constitution,” the notice read.
This development follows a meeting on April 25th, 2024, in Abuja, where the National Party Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, urged all Ondo State governorship aspirants to cooperate with the party’s candidate and the incumbent Governor of Ondo State, Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Despite this, Ibrahim allegedly proceeded to sue the Governor and the APC, ignoring party directives. Additionally, he has been accused of encouraging his supporters in Igbotako and across Ondo State to join the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), claiming he would soon receive the gubernatorial ticket from them.
The committee further alleged that Senator Ibrahim had openly declared his intent to disrupt the APC before leaving the party, citing his actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja and his derogatory remarks about the APC in various media outlets as evidence.