Ogun East: Gbenga Daniel dismisses APC consensus push

…obtains senate form to face Abiodun

Former Ogun State governor and current senator, Gbenga Daniel, has moved to secure his return to the Senate by obtaining the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 elections.

He made the disclosure on Tuesday via his X account, signalling his intention to continue representing Ogun East Senatorial District despite internal party moves favouring another contender.

“Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate, continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he wrote.

Daniel’s decision comes as tensions deepen within the Ogun East chapter of the All Progressives Congress following a reported agreement among party leaders to adopt Governor Dapo Abiodun as the preferred candidate for the senatorial seat.

Tribune Online reports that the endorsement emerged from a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, where a wide range of party figures, including grassroots representatives and political office holders, were in attendance.

Officials close to the governor described the outcome as a unified position across the district.

The process, however, sparked controversy after Daniel was allegedly prevented from entering the venue of the meeting. His supporters condemned the development, claiming it was a calculated attempt to sideline him.

In a video that circulated widely at the time, Daniel expressed frustration over the incident.

“We have been here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting since 10am, but surprisingly, we have been barred. We are told that we can’t enter,” he said in the video.

Despite the dispute, party stakeholders maintained their position, issuing a communiqué reaffirming support for Abiodun’s candidacy. Former senator Lekan Mustapha and other leaders backed the governor, citing a shared agreement within the district.

At the gathering, Mustapha said arrangements would be made to formally present the decision to the governor while mobilising support for his emergence.

“We will put a body together to deliver this message to our Governor that he has been adopted as the consensus candidate,” Mustapha said, describing Abiodun as a leader of strong character and sound intellect.

Also addressing stakeholders, the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, said the endorsement reflected a collective position, pointing to the governor’s record and influence within the party.

“This endorsement reflects the collective belief that Prince Dapo Abiodun is the right person for the position,” he said.