Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, alongside loyalists, family members and friends, on Sunday defied expulsion threat by the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, as they attended the 68th birthday celebration of former governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in large numbers.

The event, held at the Alake Pavilion, Ake Palace, Abeokuta, turned into a carnival-like gathering as APC members from across the state’s 236 wards trooped to the venue to celebrate the former governor.

Governor Abiodun, through Abeokuta Noth LG APC Chairperson, Alhaja Faida Akintunde, had earlier issued warnings that any party member who attended the event risked expulsion.

The directive was circulated on late Saturday night via a viral voice note shared by the APC Chairman to the leaders of the party in the local government.

In the voice message, party leaders were instructed to mobilise their members to stay away from the birthday venue, with a clear warning of disciplinary action for defaulters.

According to Alhaja Akintunde, the governor had declared that any APC member who attended the celebration would cease to be recognised as a member of the party.

“Nobody should go to Ake tomorrow. I am saying nobody. Whoever goes to Ake tomorrow, the Governor said he or she is no longer in the party (APC) with him.

“You must call and caution all your supporters and loyalists. If anybody is caught and expelled from the party, it is none of my business.”

Similarly, another APC local government chairman in Ogun Central, who spoke to HorizonTimes on condition of anonymity, confirmed that party leaders were instructed to mobilise against the event on the grounds that the party leadership was not formally invited.

“How do we attend a party when the party leadership was not invited?” the chairman queried.

Despite these warnings, the Alake Pavilion was filled to capacity, with political leaders, party members and supporters from across the state in attendance.

The celebration commenced with special prayer sessions at Amosun’s residence in Ibara GRA, while party members simultaneously thronged the Ake Palace venue.

Speaking at the event, Amosun, who was alleged by his opponents withinth the Party of considering a return to the Senate under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dispelled the speculation by reaffirming his membership of the APC.

He also openly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

The former governor reiterated his role in the formation of the APC in Ogun State, noting that only Chief Olusegun Osoba preceded him in the party’s founding hierarchy within the state.

“In Ogun State, it is impossible to talk about APC without mentioning Amosun,” he said.

“With due respect to our leaders and elders, when APC was being formed, the foremost person was Olusegun Osoba. After Osoba, I come next. You do not destroy what you have built.”

Amosun also used the occasion to address his supporters across the state, urging them to remain committed to the APC structure while expressing optimism about President Tinubu’s policies.

The birthday activities also witnessed visits to correctional facilities in Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu and Oba, where food items and other relief materials were distributed to inmates.

The incident further underscores the growing use of suspension and expulsion threats as internal disciplinary tools within Ogun APC.

Recently, the party announced the suspension of another former governor and current Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, over alleged anti-party activities.

However, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC later overturned Daniel’s suspension, affirming his status as a bona fide member of the party.