The Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has alleged that his reported suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State was orchestrated by Governor Dapo Abiodun to pave the way for his own senatorial ambition in 2027.
Daniel, a former governor of the state, claimed that his suspension and the challenges he has faced in the last two years were part of a larger plan to edge him out of the political structure ahead of the next election cycle.
Speaking at his Asoludero Court residence in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Sagamu, Daniel addressed journalists through his aide, Mr. Steve Oliyide, alleging that there were coordinated efforts to sideline him within the party. The briefing was attended by APC stakeholders from the nine local government areas in Ogun East, including former Commissioner for Special Duties Akogun Kola Onadipe, former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly Remmy Hassan, and Daniel’s counsel, Prof. Yemi Oke (SAN).
Daniel expressed disappointment that despite his contributions to Abiodun’s emergence as governor in 2019, the governor had allegedly continued to frustrate his political aspirations since 2022.
He questioned the legality of his purported suspension, noting that there was no official communication, allegation, or invitation from any recognized party organ regarding his supposed offence.
According to him, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abiodun was responsible for circulating an unsigned statement announcing his suspension.
“We have no doubt, and let no one be deceived, that this is all connected to the politics of 2027 and especially the APC ticket for the Ogun East Senatorial District,” Daniel said.
He recalled that during his 2022 senatorial campaign flag-off in Sagamu, Governor Abiodun was formally invited as the Special Guest of Honour, but neither attended nor sent a representative. Instead, Daniel alleged, the governor instructed party members to boycott the event, and those who defied the directive were sanctioned. Some civil servants who attended, he claimed, were later queried.
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Daniel further recounted that during the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023, he had chartered an aircraft to convey Ogun East stakeholders to Abuja, only for the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, to allegedly call several passengers—including traditional rulers—ordering them to disembark under threat.
Despite the controversy, Daniel declared that he would not leave the APC, vowing instead to mobilise his supporters to work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
“The party belongs to everyone,” he said. “We will remain committed to its success and to the leadership of President Tinubu.
