• Says he backed Daniel’s senatorial emergence, ensured party reintegration
• Governor reaffirms 2027 ambition, backs Adeola’s governorship bid
Governor Dapo Abiodun has accused Senator Gbenga Daniel of sponsoring negative media campaigns against his administration, deepening the political rift within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East.
Abiodun made the allegation on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in Ogun East, coming days after party leaders endorsed him as the consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
The governor’s remarks followed a series of developments that have heightened tensions between the two political figures, including the exclusion of Daniel from a recent APC caucus meeting in Ijebu-Ode where Abiodun secured endorsement.
Despite the consensus arrangement, Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, proceeded to purchase the party’s nomination form to seek re-election, describing decisions taken at the earlier meeting as invalid.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ gathering, Abiodun revisited his political history with the senator, stressing that he played a pivotal role in Daniel’s emergence as senator.
According to him, although he once contested against Daniel, he later rallied support for him after the primaries, contributing significantly to his eventual victory.
“I was one of the first to congratulate him and handed over my political structures to support his emergence,” the governor said.
Abiodun further disclosed that his intervention was instrumental in persuading other aspirants to step down, thereby clearing the path for Daniel’s candidacy.
He also claimed credit for facilitating Daniel’s reintegration into the APC after assuming office as governor.
“I ensured he was brought back fully into the party. These are verifiable facts,” Abiodun stated.
The governor, however, expressed disappointment over what he described as Daniel’s alleged sponsorship of negative media attacks against him.
“If this is the way he chooses to repay me, I leave him to his conscience,” he added.
Abiodun also used the occasion to thank APC leaders in Ogun East for their support and endorsement, pledging not to disappoint them.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s success in future elections, expressing confidence in APC’s chances across the state.
The governor specifically declared support for Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
Abiodun further assured that Ogun State would deliver massive votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election.
He described the party’s collective resolve as strong and unwavering, adding that unity among members would be key to achieving electoral victory.
The unfolding developments signal a growing internal contest within the APC in Ogun East, as both Abiodun and Daniel appear set for a political showdown ahead of the 2027 elections.
