Political tensions between Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel intensified on Sunday, after Daniel accused Abiodun of intolerance and leading a politically motivated witch-hunt driven by what he described as the governor’s resistance to inclusive governance.
Daniel made the remarks during a visit to Ijebu Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government Area as part of his Midterm Assessment Tour for Ogun East, where he serves as senator. He said Abiodun runs a “three-man closed government” in which anyone outside a small inner circle is shut out, victimised, or targeted.
“It is standard practice globally that once elections are over, governance is for everyone—supporters and critics alike,” Daniel said. “But since 2019, Ogun State has done the opposite. Government is run for a select few, while perceived opponents are treated as outcasts. Sack threats, demolition notices—these have become tools used against traditional rulers, community leaders, and even teachers for simply engaging with those who offer constructive criticism. This is not governance; it is a cult-like system driven by dictatorial tendencies, treating public resources as personal property.”
Responding, Abiodun’s spokesperson, Kayode Akinmade, argued that Daniel himself should be accused of intolerance, referencing how he allegedly treated state and federal lawmakers during his time as governor.
Daniel said he fell out with Abiodun simply because he offered advice when he believed it was necessary. “As a former governor and now your senator, I must speak truth to power,” he said. “I tried several times to privately advise this governor. The outcome was public exclusion and my removal from party and government activities. I kept quiet and focused on my work in Abuja. But when that work is sabotaged, silence is no longer an option.”
He accused the governor of orchestrating his reported suspension from the Ogun APC over alleged anti-party activities, calling it part of a pattern of shutting out voices outside Abiodun’s circle.
“Let me be clear: neither I nor anyone in the BATOGD Movement engaged in anti-party acts before, during, or after any election,” Daniel said. “Our loyalty to the party and President Tinubu is unquestionable. This is not about party discipline; it is about one man’s refusal to accept inclusive governance.”
Daniel also alleged that the state government repeatedly blocked constituency projects he facilitated, including the rehabilitation of the Itanrin Road and the General Hospital Road. He claimed local government officials had been pressured to issue stop-work orders because the contractors were wrongly believed to be “OGD’s contractors.”
“If this order stays beyond December 2025, the federal funding for these projects could be lost,” he warned.
He listed other interventions—motorised boreholes, solar streetlights in Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo, a bill to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ijebu-Ode, and free eye surgeries for more than 4,000 people—saying many of these initiatives were being undermined.
Daniel urged traditional rulers and community leaders to appeal to Governor Abiodun to stop blocking constituency projects, arguing that these actions hinder development and deprive the people of essential services.
He reaffirmed that the BATOGD Movement remains committed to the development of Ogun East and aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He thanked the APC National Working Committee and President Tinubu for stepping into the crisis, citing a letter from National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru confirming his party membership.
Daniel said he was prepared to defend himself before any investigative panel and again called for the intervention of traditional and influential leaders in resolving the dispute.
ICYMI
Earlier, Basiru had clarified—following an inquiry by MJS Law Firm—that the NWC had not deliberated on Daniel’s suspension, confirming him as a valid party member. However, APC officials in Ward 4, Sabo, Sagamu, insisted the suspension still stands, arguing that the NWC cannot override disciplinary measures taken at ward, local government, state, or zonal levels. They maintained that Daniel failed to honour invitations to defend himself.
