…Party Endorses Abiodun for 2027 Senate
..Ex-Governor Daniel Rejects Outcome, Calls Exercise ‘Null and Void’
The political landscape in Ogun East Senatorial District took a dramatic turn on Monday as stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 Senate race.
The endorsement, however, was overshadowed by controversy following the reported exclusion of former Governor and incumbent Senator representing the district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, from the high-level caucus meeting.
The meeting, held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, attracted a broad spectrum of party stakeholders, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, federal and state lawmakers, local government officials, ward executives, councillors, as well as youth and women leaders.
Organisers described the gathering as a “broad-based consensus” aimed at strengthening party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tensions flared outside the venue when Senator Daniel was allegedly denied entry into the meeting. His supporters, who accompanied him, were seen chanting in protest, raising concerns over internal party cohesion in the district.
Addressing journalists at the scene, Daniel expressed shock at the development, questioning the legitimacy of the exercise.
“We are here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting, but surprisingly, we have been barred. Let it be on record that whatever they do here today is null and void,” he declared.
Despite the standoff, proceedings continued inside the hall, where party leaders formalised the endorsement of Governor Abiodun, describing it as both strategic and unanimous.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, former Senator Lekan Mustapha said the decision reflected widespread confidence in the governor’s leadership and capacity to represent the district at the national level.
“We will formally communicate this decision to the governor and constitute a team to deliver the message. He has been adopted as our consensus candidate,” Mustapha stated.
He further described Abiodun as “a man of proven character and intellect,” capable of advancing the interests of Ogun East at the Senate.
Also backing the endorsement, the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, characterised the move as historic.
“This endorsement is historic and unanimous. It reflects our collective belief that Prince Dapo Abiodun is the right choice for the Senate,” he said.
Other party leaders, including members of the National Assembly and local government chairmen, echoed similar sentiments, citing the governor’s performance in office and his role in maintaining party stability across the state.
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo, said the governor’s track record in governance justified the stakeholders’ decision.
“The governor has delivered peace and development across the state. We are confident he will attract greater dividends of democracy to Ogun East at the national level,” he noted.
Similarly, the Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Afolabi Odulate, urged the governor to heed the call to serve.
“This is a collective appeal from the entire district. We believe in his leadership and capacity,” he said.
However, the endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from allies of Senator Daniel, who dismissed the exercise as lacking credibility and transparency.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, described the meeting as a “jamboree” and a “self-serving endorsement,” questioning its legitimacy.
“What happened there was nothing but a jamboree and self-endorsement. Can you name a child in his absence? The person being endorsed wasn’t even there to receive it,” he said.
He further alleged that the gathering did not reflect the true position of the APC in Ogun East, claiming it was dominated by individuals aligned with the state government.
The development signals a deepening rift within the Ogun East APC, setting the stage for a potentially fierce political contest as the 2027 elections draw closer.
