Ogun APC and Gbenga Daniel Clash Over Suspension

The Ogun State branch of the All Progressives Congress has supported the ongoing suspension of former governor and Ogun East senator, Otunba...

The Ogun State branch of the All Progressives Congress has supported the ongoing suspension of former governor and Ogun East senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, maintaining that proper procedures were adhered to.

The party's Publicity Secretary, Olufemi Nuberu, stated on Thursday that the suspension came as a result of findings indicating that Daniel participated in actions against the party during the August Remo Federal Constituency by-election.

Nuberu asserted that the decision aligned with the party's constitution, noting that the appeal deadline had passed.

"The party's choice regarding this issue remains firm. The period for filing an appeal, as explicitly stated in our constitution, has ended. If the Daniel Wailers wish to express their grievances, that is their right; we cannot prevent them from doing so. They can continue their appeal through social media," he said.

Numberu responded following a press conference on Tuesday conducted by some APC leaders from Ogun East at Daniel’s Asoludero private home in Sagamu GRA, where they criticized the senator's suspension.

The leaders, such as Gen. Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd.), Dr Niyi Osoba, Otunba Korede Okunanya, Princess Ronke Oduneye, Aremo Babatunde Adesanya, Mrs Josephine Makanjuola, and Dr Bankole Osisanya, labeled the suspension as unfounded and driven by political reasons.

Attendees included Kolade Segun-Okeowo, Alhaji Jamiu Olododo, Akogun Kola Onadipe, the former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Remmy Hassan, Hon. Wole Olubena, Arc. Abiodun Adesanya, Mr Dele Osifade, and Alhaja Ganiyat Busari, as well as others.

They claimed the action was a scheme by Governor Dapo Abiodun to remove Daniel from the race for the Ogun East senatorial nomination before the 2027 general elections. APC officials raised concerns about why, so far, the party had not given Daniel an official suspension letter other than the press release sent to reporters.

They also blamed the state leadership for interference, pointing out that although Daniel is registered in Isote Ward 12, Sagamu, the suspension notice listed him as a member of Ward 4.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Steve Oliyide, Daniel's media advisor, voiced astonishment that the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, had made statements on behalf of the party.

"Regarding this challenge, there is no doubt—and let no one be misled—that this is all linked to the politics of 2027 and, particularly, the APC candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial District," Oliyide stated.

He refuted claims of anti-party behavior, stating that Daniel actively promoted the APC in the Remo by-election and provided financial support to the campaign even though he was excluded by the state leadership.

Oliyide further claimed that Governor Abiodun's animosity towards Daniel started when the previous governor showed interest in the Ogun East senatorial election in 2022. He mentioned that Abiodun did not show up at any of Daniel's campaign events during the 2023 elections, even after multiple invitations.

Oliyide also mentioned that Daniel, who was part of the PDP during the 2019 elections, rallied backing for Abiodun's run for governor, a step that enabled the governor to win by a narrow margin of 19,000 votes. He characterized Daniel's suspension as a violation of proper procedure and equitable treatment.

"It undermines the rule of law and violates democratic values. Daniel was reportedly suspended by the executive of Ward 4 in Sagamu, despite being a registered member of Isote Ward 12. How can he be suspended in a ward where he isn't even registered?" he asked.

The group also claimed that certain party officials had been influenced by "ritual oaths" performed at local temples, fueling concerns regarding the impartiality of upcoming delegate appointments.

Oliyide called on President Bola Tinubu and the APC national leadership to take action in order to address the crisis and reorganize the state executive, which he stated is controlled by the governor's supporters.

Nevertheless, Nuberu labeled the press conference as "a farce," asserting that the individuals presented as party leaders were only coordinators of Daniel's Gateway Front Foundation.

"Individuals who refer to themselves as APC leaders are actually his foundation coordinators—people who collaborated with him in the PDP. Not one ward or local government chairman was included on that list," Nuberu stated.

He maintained that Daniel had repeatedly demonstrated a lack of respect for party regulations and was not above the APC, which provided him with the opportunity to run in 2023.

"Senator Gbenga Daniel has consistently struggled with adhering to party regulations. He was seriously accused of acting against the party's interests and disregarded multiple calls to appear. The suspension followed proper procedures, with the state chairman and secretary officially sending the letter to the national headquarters," he said.

Nuberu stated that Daniel's suspension was officially approved by the State Working Committee following reports from the local government and ward officials.

"The party's choice remains unchanged. The opportunity for an appeal has ended. If Daniel's backers want to keep complaining, they are welcome to do so on social media," he said.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).