…Condemns alleged misuse of security forces
…Reaffirms support for Tinubu, Yayi as APC consensus candidates
Leaders of the BATOGD Movement in Ogun East Senatorial District have raised fresh concerns over what they described as troubling political developments in the state, even as they reaffirmed loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing journalists at the Asoludero Court private residence of Otunba Gbenga Daniel located within the Government Reservation Area(GRA) Sagamu, the Director – General of the movement, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd) said the endorsement, was orchestrated under false pretences and packaged as a legitimate caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), only for attendees to discover it was a pre-arranged political show.
The movement applauded the Ogun State chapter of the APC for unanimously adopting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, describing the move as a vote of confidence in his leadership.
According to the group, “President Tinubu in the last few years has demonstrated unprecedented capacity to tackle all our country’s challenges headlong, and the results have clearly shown that our country is on the path to total recovery.”
The group also hailed the emergence of Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the APC’s consensus gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, expressing optimism that longstanding political patterns in the state would be broken.
“We are hopeful that what appears to be a jinx in the last few decades is finally being broken,” the leaders stated.
However, the tone of the briefing shifted as the movement expressed dissatisfaction with recent political activities in Ogun East, particularly what it described as a controversial endorsement of a senatorial aspirant.
The group alleged that the endorsement event, organized by members of a political administration, was misrepresented as a stakeholders’ caucus meeting of the APC in Ogun East.
“Most of the leaders… were baited into attending the event under the guise of a caucus meeting. It was only upon arrival that many discovered that more than half of the people in the hall were not even qualified to attend,” the statement said.
The movement further claimed that some qualified party members were denied entry into the event, allegedly being told that it was “a DA show” reserved for loyalists of the state governor.
“We do not deny them their democratic right to hold their own show, but using the name of our great party to drag leaders into ratifying a premeditated event is what gives us concern,” the group added.
In a more serious allegation, the BATOGD leaders condemned what they described as a “siege” on the Ijebu-Ode residence of former governor and senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
They expressed shock over the deployment of what they called “armoured vehicles and detachments of security forces in their hundreds” to the area.
“We are deeply surprised by this turn of events, as we see no reason to warrant such heavy deployment,” the group stated.
The movement linked the development to alleged misinformation, claiming that the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government misled security agencies into believing that a political meeting was to be held at the residence.
“Our preliminary investigations revealed that false narratives were presented to the police, leading to the cordoning off of the entire street,” they alleged.
Describing the incident as an abuse of power, the group warned that such actions evoke memories of authoritarian rule.
“This reminds us of the unfortunate days of military junta… We do not think this can happen in Ogun State,” the statement noted.
The group also referenced past controversies, including the demolition of DATKEM Plaza in 2023, which it claimed was carried out under questionable circumstances.
“Executive lawlessness is fast becoming the norm in our state,” the leaders alleged.
Despite the tensions, the BATOGD Movement highlighted its ongoing grassroots engagement efforts across Ogun East, noting that thousands of residents had benefited from its empowerment initiatives.
The programs, according to the group, include micro-credit schemes, medical outreach in partnership with Emzor Pharmaceuticals, and eye care services supported by the Eye Foundation.
“We have conducted these tours across seven local government areas without any incident of violence or disruption,” the group said.
They maintained that the planned empowerment programme in Ijebu-Ode was postponed for logistical reasons and not due to security concerns.
The movement, however, commended the Inspector General of Police for intervening and restoring calm, while also assuring citizens of continued peaceful engagement.
“We thank the Inspector General of Police for his prompt response in calling the situation to order,” the statement read.
Reaffirming commitment to democratic values, the group stressed that Nigeria must not allow security agencies to be used for political intimidation.
“We are law-abiding citizens… and we call on all security agencies to be fair and not allow themselves to be used as tools in desperate hands,” the leaders said.
The movement concluded by announcing that its Community Assessment and Review Tour in Ijebu-Ode would proceed as planned, with proper notification to relevant authorities.
“We shall ensure adequate security protection for all attendees and beneficiaries,” the group assured.
The press briefing had in attendance some key leaders of the BATOGD Movement, including former Special Duty Commissioner, Akogun Kola Onadipe, Tayo Odeyemi, Fatai Sowemimo, Bankole Osisanya, Wale Adedayo, Omoba Wale Osiyemi, Otunba Korede Okunsanya among dozens of others.
