Daniel Locked Out as Ogun East APC Throws Weight Behind Abiodun for 2027 Senatorial Bid

The Ogun East APC stakeholders’ caucus meeting on Monday took a dramatic turn when stakeholders unanimously endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun for the 2027 senatorial race, while former Governor and current Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel was denied entry into the meeting.

This endorsement was announced at a crowded stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, which brought together party leaders, elected officials, and grassroots mobilisers from across the Ogun East Senatorial District, according to a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.

The decision to endorse Governor Abiodun signals a significant political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, marking a notable development in the state's political landscape.

The event, held at Adeola Odutola Hall, drew a diverse range of attendees, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, lawmakers, local government officials, ward executives, councillors, and youth and women leaders, underscoring a broad-based consensus within the party.

However, the gathering was marred by a tense standoff outside the venue, where former governor and current senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel was reportedly barred from gaining access, sparking debate within party ranks.

Supporters of Daniel chanted in solidarity as he addressed them from outside the venue, expressing disbelief at the situation and stating, “We are here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting, but surprisingly, we have been barred.

Daniel further emphasized, “Let it be on record that whatever they do here today is null and void,” as he responded to the situation.

Inside the hall, party leaders proceeded with the proceedings, describing the endorsement of Governor Abiodun as both strategic and unanimous, with former senator Lekan Mustapha stating that the decision reflected shared confidence in the governor’s leadership.

Mustapha said, “We will formally communicate this decision to the governor and constitute a team to deliver the message, as he has been adopted as our consensus candidate,” highlighting the party's unified stance.

Mustapha also described Governor Abiodun as “a man of proven character and intellect, well-positioned to represent Ogun East at the national level,” emphasizing the governor's qualifications for the role.

Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, lent weight to the endorsement, describing the move as a defining moment for the district and stating, “This endorsement is historic and unanimous.

Talabi further noted, “It reflects our collective belief that Prince Dapo Abiodun is the right choice for the Senate,” highlighting the party's consensus on the matter.

Lawmakers and local government leaders echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the governor’s record in governance and party cohesion as key factors behind the decision, with Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo stating, “The governor has delivered peace and development across the state.

Ogunbanwo added, “We are confident he will attract greater dividends of democracy to Ogun East at the national level,” expressing optimism about the governor's potential impact.

Sagamu Local Government Chairman, Afolabi Odulate, urged the governor to accept the call to serve, stating, “This is a collective appeal from the entire district, as we believe in his leadership and capacity.”

However, the endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from allies of Senator Daniel, who dismissed the exercise as lacking credibility, with Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, describing the gathering as a staged event.

Oliyide stated, “What happened there was nothing but a jamboree and self-endorsement, as can you name a child in his absence, and the person being endorsed wasn’t even there to receive it.”

Oliyide further questioned the legitimacy of the meeting, adding, “This was a gathering of individuals on the government’s payroll, and it cannot be taken as a true reflection of the party’s position.”