The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed that the suspension of the Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, remains valid, warning that any engagements with him as a party member are null and void.
The clarification was contained in an official correspondence sent to the APC National Chairman, drawing attention to what the state chapter described as Senator Daniel’s “continued public disregard for party discipline” despite his suspension.
According to a statement released in Abeokuta by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lekan Adeniran, the letter — dated October 3, 2025 — was jointly signed by the State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, and State Secretary, Hon. Tella Aderibigbe.
The APC explained that Senator Daniel was suspended on August 19, 2025, and that the decision was formally communicated to him. The party emphasized that, under its constitution, a suspended member automatically loses all privileges and rights associated with party membership.
ICYMI
Citing Article 21 (vii) of the APC Constitution, the statement noted that a suspended member cannot vote, attend party meetings, or participate in any party activities until the suspension is lifted.
“As part of the disciplinary processes outlined in our constitution, a member suspended pending investigation is expressly barred from participating in the proceedings of any party organ,” the statement read.
The party urged government institutions, political actors, and the public to take note that Senator Daniel cannot act or be recognized in any capacity as a member of the APC while the suspension remains in effect.
“Any and all dealings with Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the capacity of a bona fide member of the APC are invalid, unrecognized, and of no effect to the party,” the statement added.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal discipline, order, and strict adherence to constitutional guidelines.
Daniel’s Camp Reacts
In response, Steve Oliyide, media aide to Senator Gbenga Daniel, dismissed the purported suspension as a political ploy driven by fear of his principal’s rising influence and close relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the development as “an ongoing script, crafted purposely to frustrate Senator Daniel out of the APC in order to clear the path for a solo run for the Senate ticket.”
Oliyide maintained that the suspension was allegedly carried out by “unknown Ward 4 executives” in Sagamu Local Government — a ward, he said, where Senator Daniel does not belong. He explained that Daniel is a registered member of Ward 12 (Isote) in Sagamu, and that the ward leaders had petitioned both the State and National Executive Committees to protest the purported suspension by a wrong ward.
He further revealed that some leaders and members of Ward 4 also issued a disclaimer, stating they were neither aware of nor consulted about the said suspension, which was first announced on Facebook.
“The statement was not signed by anybody. Our investigation revealed that it was being circulated by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. When did the CPS become the party’s spokesperson?” Oliyide asked.
“If they claim a letter was written to the National Chairman, let them produce a copy, as well as the alleged suspension letter, which no one has seen since the claim surfaced.”
He also questioned inconsistencies in the APC’s statement, saying its reference to “a member suspended pending investigation” contradicted earlier claims that an investigation had been concluded.
Oliyide insisted that the moves were orchestrated by individuals “afraid of Senator Daniel’s growing political relevance,” and alleged that the state party leadership had been pressured several times to endorse the suspension.
“When they refused to yield, the perpetrators resorted to using government machinery and officials to carry out the party assignment,” he concluded.
