…Directs Supporters to Boycott Ogun East Exercise
….Says Safety of Loyalists More Important Than Contest
Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary scheduled for Monday, citing alleged plans to unleash violence on his supporters.
Daniel, who is seeking re-election to the Senate, has recently been locked in a political battle with Dapo Abiodun over the APC ticket for Ogun East Senatorial District.
The disagreement between both camps has deepened in recent weeks, with loyalists trading accusations and counter-accusations ahead of the primary election.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement, the former governor directed his supporters to boycott the exercise over security concerns and alleged threats from agents of the Ogun State Government.
The statement, jointly signed by the Director General of BATOGD, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd), and 34 others, alleged that suspicious movements and the presence of miscreants had heightened fears of violence ahead of the primary.
“In the last few days, we have seen all manners of strange movements and miscreants taking positions and ready to strike down our people. We have heard and seen agents of the state government threatening fire and brimstone against our supporters, and the elections yesterday are a confirmation of our worst fears,” the statement read.
The group added that it could not expose its supporters to danger and possible mayhem.
“On this note, we have advised our Principal, His Excellency, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to distance himself from the senatorial party primary elections.
“We also hereby advise our supporters to stay away from the venues of the senatorial party primary election of Monday, May 18, 2026, for their own safety,” the statement added.
Speaking on the development, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed that the former governor endorsed the decision to withdraw from the race.
“Yes, because we cannot put our supporters in harm’s way. Their safety is more of our concern than the contest. If the party is ready to conduct a free and fair election and can guarantee the safety of our members, then we are game,” Oliyide said.
