Gbenga Daniel bows out of APC primary, directs loyalists to shun exercise

Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has formally withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary scheduled for Monday, citing alleged plans to unleash violence against his supporters.

Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State who is seeking re-election to the Senate, has been locked in a protracted political standoff with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, over the party’s ticket for the Ogun East Senatorial District.

The rivalry between the two camps has escalated in recent weeks, with loyalists trading accusations and counter-accusations over control of party structures and the conduct of the primary election.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement, Daniel announced his decision to withdraw from the contest, citing security concerns and alleged threats from agents of the state government.

The statement, jointly signed by the Director General of BATOGD, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd), and 34 other members of the movement, alleged that suspicious movements and the presence of alleged miscreants had heightened fears of violence ahead of the primary.

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“In the last few days we have seen all manner 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 is a confirmation of our worst fears,” the statement read.

According to the movement, it would be irresponsible to expose supporters to what it described as a volatile and unsafe environment.

“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.

Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed that the senator had 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.

The development marks a significant twist in the Ogun East APC primary, further exposing deep divisions within the state chapter of the ruling party and raising fresh questions about internal cohesion ahead of the general elections.