APC leaders in Ogun deny Gbenga Daniel’s suspension, cite political motives
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District has dismissed reports of the alleged suspension of former governor and serving senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, describing it as a baseless political fabrication.
Addressing journalists at the Asoludero Court in Sagamu, APC chieftain Steve Oliyide said the story originated from an August Facebook post by an unknown individual who falsely claimed to be the party’s state publicity director.
Oliyide described the social media announcement as unethical and unserious, noting that no official communication, investigation, or letter of suspension was issued by the party. He said it was disturbing that some journalists published the post without verification from the state or national leadership of the APC.
The party leader accused the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lekan Adeniran, of reigniting the rumour through an unsigned statement circulated on November 5, which purported to reaffirm the suspension. He questioned the propriety of a government appointee speaking for the party, saying such actions undermined the authority of elected party officials.
Oliyide alleged that the controversy was politically motivated and linked to the 2027 elections, particularly the battle for the Ogun East senatorial ticket. He recalled that Daniel played a decisive role in helping the APC win the 2019 governorship election despite not being a member of the party at the time, having mobilized massive support for Dapo Abiodun on the instruction of then APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
He noted that Daniel formally joined the APC in 2021 and had since contributed to rebuilding the party through empowerment programmes, ward tours, and voter outreach across Ogun East. Despite this, Oliyide said Daniel and his supporters had faced persecution, citing the demolition of DATKEM Plaza, owned by Daniel’s wife, as evidence of political vendetta.
The APC chieftain lamented the lack of regular party meetings in Ogun State, which he said had stifled communication and unity within the ranks. He warned that the exclusion of major stakeholders, including former governors Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, was weakening the party ahead of future elections.
Oliyide urged the national leadership of the APC to intervene and ensure a fair distribution of party positions to reflect the interests of all stakeholders. He said the concentration of control in the governor’s camp risked deepening divisions and endangering the party’s prospects in 2027.
