Segun Atanda/
A deepening rift within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came to the fore on Monday after former governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from entering the Adeola Odutola Hall venue in Ijebu-Ode where party stakeholders endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as the consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial district in the 2027 elections.
Daniel, who currently represents Ogun East in the National Assembly, said he arrived at the venue as early as 10am for what he described as a scheduled caucus meeting, only to be denied access.
Addressing supporters outside the hall, he condemned the development as undemocratic and vowed to resist any attempt to sideline him within the party.
“On this senate race, we are prepared to give it whatever it takes, and I am sure God will give us victory. We’ve been here in Ijebu-Ode since 10am for our caucus meeting but we were prevented from entering the venue,” he said.
He dismissed the outcome of the meeting as invalid, insisting that any decision taken without his participation could not stand.
“Whatever was done in that hall today without my participation is of no effect, it is null and void,” he added, describing the exercise as a “kangaroo arrangement”.
Despite the controversy, proceedings went ahead inside the Adeola Odutola Hall, where a broad coalition of APC leaders and stakeholders from Ogun East formally adopted Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the Senate in 2027.
The well-attended gathering brought together members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, past and present lawmakers at both state and national levels, councillors from all 103 wards across the nine local governments in the district, as well as women and youth leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, former Ogun East senator, Lekan Mustapha, said the endorsement reflected a shared conviction that the governor possesses the competence to represent the district effectively at the National Assembly.
“We will put a body together to deliver this message to our Governor that he has been adopted as the consensus candidate,” Mustapha said, adding that the group would also commit to purchasing the governor’s nomination forms.
He described Abiodun as a leader of strong character and sound intellect, whose experience in governance positions him favourably for the Senate.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, said the endorsement was both historic and unanimous, noting that it reflected confidence in the governor’s record.
“This endorsement is historic and unanimous. It reflects the collective belief that Prince Dapo Abiodun is the right person for the position,” he stated.
Also speaking, House of Representatives member, Femi Ogunbanwo, who represents Odogbolu, Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu North East Federal Constituency, credited the governor with fostering peace and development across the state, expressing confidence that he would attract further benefits to Ogun East at the national level.
Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Hon. Afolabi Odulate, similarly commended the governor’s performance and urged him to accept the senatorial bid.
The meeting drew prominent party figures, including former senators Gbenga Kaka and Lekan Mustapha, Ogun East APC Chairman Adedoyin Adeleke, and respected elders such as Kola Ogunjobi, Bayo Dayo, Durojaye, Pegba Otemolu, James Dina, and Osibote Amoran.
Several political mobilisers and grassroots leaders were also in attendance, alongside members of the House of Representatives from the district, including Adesola Elegbeji, Joseph Adegbesan, and Femi Ogunbanwo.
Observers say the parallel narratives emerging from the same event underscore growing tensions within the Ogun East APC, as early alignments for the 2027 elections begin to crystallise.
Daniel, who governed Ogun State between 2003 and 2011 before returning to elective office as senator in 2023, remains a dominant political figure in the district, setting the stage for a potentially contentious contest within the ruling party.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC had yet to issue an official statement addressing Daniel’s allegation that he was barred from the meeting venue.
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