Ogun APC, Gbenga Daniel’s Camp Clash Over Alleged Suspension

Political tensions are rising within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as loyalists of former governor and current senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, trade accusations with the state party leadership over his alleged suspension.

Party leaders and stakeholders from the nine local government areas of Ogun East have dismissed Daniel’s purported suspension, describing it as a “political charade” and an attack on internal democracy. They accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of attempting to consolidate control of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Sagamu, spokesperson for the group, Steve Oliyide, said the so-called suspension first surfaced in August on a private Facebook page belonging to an individual claiming to be the party’s Director of Publicity.

“Is it ethical or logical to announce a suspension order on an individual’s Facebook page? There was no official communication, no allegation, no panel invitation, and no suspension letter,” Oliyide questioned.

The statement, co-signed by over forty party leaders from Ogun East, also faulted the governor’s media aide, Lekan Adeniran, for circulating an unsigned statement to news outlets on November 5 restating the alleged suspension and issuing directives to the national APC leadership.

According to the group, the move was inappropriate since the party already has duly elected officers. They challenged the ward and state chapters to present any documented evidence of an investigation or suspension process involving Daniel.

The stakeholders alleged that the controversy was a ploy to edge Daniel out of the 2027 senatorial race. They noted that while the senator helped deliver the 2019 governorship victory for Abiodun, the APC’s vote margin sharply declined in 2023.

They also urged the APC national leadership to probe alleged anti-democratic practices within the state chapter, including reports of party officials being forced to take oaths of loyalty in shrines.

The Ogun APC has dismissed the allegations, describing Daniel’s loyalists’ meeting as a “sham” and the attendees as “unknown party elements.”

In a statement signed by the state’s Director of Publicity, Nuberu Adesanya Olufemi, and circulated by the governor’s media aide, Kayode Akinmade, the party said due process was followed in suspending Daniel, citing records from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirming his registration in Ward 04, Sagamu Local Government Area.

“The senator has a history of disregarding internal procedures and engaging in anti-party activities, including campaigning against the APC during the last by-election in Remo Federal Constituency,” the party alleged.

It added that both the state and local government chapters endorsed Daniel’s suspension and submitted their findings to the national secretariat for ratification.

“The senator’s suspension remains valid and final. This is an internal party matter, and the appeal window has since lapsed,” the statement concluded.