Abiodun welcomes OGD, Kashamu allies into APC ahead of 2027 elections

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has welcomed members of the Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) political family and the Buruji Kashamu political group into the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their decision as a significant step towards strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abiodun received the groups at a meeting held at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, where he commended their decision to align with the APC and work together for the success of the party and its candidates across Ogun East Senatorial District.

The Governor expressed concern over the recent relaunch of the foundation of the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District and former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, was special guest of honour.

Abiodun said the development appeared to suggest that the former governor had chosen to operate outside the mainstream of the APC, despite his status as a respected political figure in Ogun State.

“You don’t begin to act as if you are God. You don’t begin to play as if you are an emperor. God gives us power and looks at how we use it. If you utilise it very well, God will leave it with you for a long time to continue to wield it. If you abuse it, God will take it away from you and give it to somebody else,” he said.

Abiodun also revisited the political developments of 2023, revealing that he had been advised against supporting Daniel’s emergence as the APC senatorial candidate because of concerns that the former governor might eventually turn against him.

Despite the warnings, he said he supported Daniel because of his respect for him as a former governor and his belief that political disagreements should not diminish the respect accorded former occupants of the office.

Speaking at the meeting, the Governor’s Senior Consultant on Political Matters, Aremo Tunde Adesanya, said the delegation was at the meeting to formally reaffirm its loyalty to the APC and its commitment to Governor Abiodun.

Adesanya, who previously served as the coordinator of Otunba Gbenga Daniel in Odogbolu Local Government before his removal over his alignment with the APC mainstream, said the group had decided to identify fully with the party.