Ogun APC Clash: Gbenga Daniel's Camp Confronts Suspension Claims

A new political controversy is emerging within the Ogun State branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as supporters of former governo...

A new political controversy is emerging within the Ogun State branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as supporters of former governor and current senator for Ogun East Senatorial District, Gbenga Daniel, clash with the state party leadership over claims of his suspension.

Officials and key figures of the APC in the nine local government areas of Ogun East Senatorial District have rejected claims about Daniel's alleged suspension, calling it a political stunt and a violation of the party's internal democracy.

The interested parties also alleged that Governor Dapo Abiodun was trying to take control of the party's framework before the 2027 national elections.

At a global press conference held in Sagamu, the group's representative, Steve Oliyide, mentioned that the supposed suspension was initially posted in August on the personal Facebook page of someone who identified as the party's Director of Publicity — a role unfamiliar to many members.

"Is it ethical or logical to issue a suspension order on someone's Facebook page? There was no official notice, no accusation, no panel invitation, and no suspension letter," Oliyide questioned.

The statement was jointly signed by Gen. Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd.), Giwa Comrade Niyi Osoba, Otunba (Dr.) Korede Okunanya, Princess Ronke Oduneye, Aremo Babatunde Adesanya, Mrs. Josephine Makanjuola, Dr. Bankole Osisanya, Hon. Wole Olubena, Arc. Abiodun Adesanya, Mr. Dele Osifade, Alhaja Ganiyat Busari, and others, and supported by more than forty APC leaders from Ogun East.

The group voiced worry that on November 5, 2025, the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lekan Adeniran, sent an anonymous statement to news outlets, reiterating the claimed suspension and supposedly giving instructions to the APC national leadership regarding who to acknowledge as the legitimate party leaders in the state.

They criticized the move as improper, arguing that it was incorrect for a government official to represent the party when duly elected leaders, such as the state chairman and secretary, are available.

The interested parties also questioned the APC leadership in Ward 4, Sagamu, and the state branch to provide written proof of any inquiry or disciplinary action related to the senator.

They claim the dispute is a political strategy designed to push Daniel aside before the 2027 senatorial election in Ogun East, accusing supporters of Governor Abiodun of trying to remove him from the race.

They observed that although Daniel played a key part in generating local support for Abiodun's 2019 win, the party's election results have kept getting worse.

In 2019, APC secured the governorship election with a lead of 19,517 votes, primarily due to support from Ogun East, where Daniel was instrumental. However, by 2023, the lead decreased to 13,915 votes, as the governor lost seven of nine local government areas — including his own polling unit and ward. Nevertheless, Senator Daniel captured the Ogun East Senatorial seat with 115,147 votes, marking the highest tally ever recorded in the region," the group mentioned.

They also called on the APC national leadership to investigate what they referred to as undemocratic behaviors within the state branch, including claims that certain party officials were forced to swear loyalty oaths in shrines.

The faction urged a reorganization of the party's executive leadership at both state and local levels to enhance inclusiveness and safeguard important stakeholders, including former Governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, in preparation for the 2027 elections.

"Our group holds great importance for us. The sooner we mend this tear before it turns into a large gap, the better it will be for all," they concluded.

Ogun APC fires back

In the meantime, the Ogun State branch of the APC has accused Senator Daniel of promoting false information and trying to deceive the public regarding his suspension.

A statement, signed by the Director of Publicity, Nuberu Adesanya Olufemi, and shared with Vanguard by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Kayode Akinmade, stated that the Sagamu gathering was a "fraud," asserting that the attendees were not recognized within the party's hierarchy.

The APC referred to voter records from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), verifying Daniel's registration in Ward 04, Sagamu Local Government Area, and emphasized that proper procedures were adhered to during his suspension.

"The senator is known for ignoring internal protocols and going against party regulations. He faced serious allegations of participating in actions against the party, including running against the APC in the recent by-election in Remo Federal Constituency," the statement said.

The party argued that both the state and local government branches supported Daniel's suspension and submitted their conclusions to the national secretariat for approval.

It rejected claims that Governor Abiodun orchestrated the suspension to undermine Daniel's chances in the 2027 election, stating that the action was strictly procedural and approved by the State Working Committee (SWC).

"Not one ward chairman or local government chairman is included in that fabricated list. Authentic APC officials did not participate in Daniel's claimed meeting of Ogun East leaders," the party stated.

The APC also criticized the senator for ignoring his voters, asserting that he has not participated in local gatherings or conducted constituency meetings since taking office.

"The senator's suspension is still in effect and conclusive. It is purely an internal party issue. The State Working Committee operated within its authority, and the period for appealing has now passed," the statement ended.

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