Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District, as loyalists of former governor and current senator, Gbenga Daniel, openly rejected the purported endorsement of Governor Dapo Abiodun as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 Senate race.
The aggrieved supporters, operating under the BATOGD Movement, described the process that produced Abiodun as “selective, exclusionary and contrary to democratic norms,” insisting it was designed to sideline their principal and his political structure.
At a press briefing held at Daniel’s residence in GRA, Sagamu, spokesperson of the group, Olumuyiwa Okunowo, alleged that the so-called Ogun East APC caucus meeting held at Adeola Odutola Hall was dominated by loyalists of the governor.
According to him, several party members who were duly invited were denied access to the venue.
“Some of our members who were qualified to attend were bluntly told to leave because it was a ‘DA show’ meant strictly for the governor’s loyalists,” he said.
Okunowo maintained that while the governor’s supporters have the right to convene meetings, presenting such a gathering as an official APC caucus session amounted to misrepresentation.
He added that even Daniel himself was allegedly prevented from attending the meeting, which he described as a “premeditated political arrangement.”
Security Concerns Raised
The group also raised alarm over what it termed a “security siege” on Daniel’s residence in Ijebu Ode, alleging the deployment of heavily armed operatives and armoured vehicles without clear justification.
Okunowo warned security agencies against being used as instruments of political intimidation, urging neutrality in line with democratic principles.
Questions Over ‘Consensus’ Process
Adding to the criticism, former council chairman Tayo Onayemi questioned the legality of the endorsement, noting that consensus candidacy must involve the voluntary agreement of all aspirants.
Similarly, former commissioner Kola Onadipe argued that due process was ignored.
“Consensus requires written agreement by all aspirants. If there is dissent, the party must conduct primaries. What happened clearly falls short,” he said.
APC Fires Back
Reacting, the Ogun State APC Publicity Secretary, Femi Nuberu, dismissed the allegations, insisting the meeting was properly constituted and its decisions valid.
He stated that the senatorial leadership of the party convened the meeting and had the authority to take binding decisions, challenging aggrieved members to formally lodge complaints through party channels.
The controversy follows Monday’s endorsement of Governor Abiodun as APC’s consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial seat at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu Ode. The event drew party leaders and grassroots representatives across the district.
However, the latest development signals a deepening internal rift that could shape the party’s dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
