APC power tussle deepens in Ogun as Daniel, Abiodun clash over 2027 senate ticket

A brewing political confrontation is unfolding within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State as former governor and incumbent Senator Gbenga Daniel moves to secure re-election to the Ogun East senatorial seat, setting up a potential face-off with Governor Dapo Abiodun, who has also been endorsed by party stakeholders for the same position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The emerging contest has intensified internal party dynamics, with both heavyweight politicians laying claim to the APC ticket for Ogun East, despite earlier efforts by stakeholders to rally behind a consensus candidate.

Senator Gbenga Daniel formally declared his intention to seek a second term in the Senate on Tuesday after obtaining the APC nomination and expression of interest forms.

In a statement shared via his verified social media accounts, Daniel reaffirmed his commitment to continued legislative representation for Ogun East.

“Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate, continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he stated.

Daniel’s move signals a direct challenge to a reported consensus arrangement within the party that had earlier favoured Governor Dapo Abiodun for the senatorial ticket.

Just a day before Daniel’s declaration, Governor Dapo Abiodun announced that APC stakeholders in Ogun East had adopted him as their consensus candidate for the senatorial race.

In a post on his verified X account, Abiodun wrote:

“We attended the Ogun East APC Stakeholders’ Meeting yesterday where leaders of the zone formally adopted me as the All Progressives Congress (@OfficialAPCNg) consensus senatorial candidate for Ogun East.”

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The governor also shared photographs from the meeting, where party leaders reportedly endorsed him while reaffirming unity within the party.

Abiodun further used the platform to express confidence in broader party unity, stating that the zone would support the APC’s wider electoral goals in 2027, including backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party candidates.

The consensus endorsement of Abiodun followed a stakeholders’ caucus meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders reportedly adopted him as their preferred candidate.

However, reports emerged that Senator Daniel was allegedly denied access to the meeting venue, raising concerns about internal exclusion and deepening suspicions of factional alignment within the party structure.

Despite these claims, Daniel proceeded with his political ambition by purchasing nomination forms, reinforcing indications that he is prepared for a direct contest within the party primaries.

Abiodun signals interest in Senate after governorship tenure

Governor Abiodun has also been linked to ambitions for the Ogun East Senate seat after completing his tenure as governor, further intensifying the competition between two of the state’s most influential political figures.

His public declaration at the stakeholders’ meeting reinforced his long-term political trajectory within the district, adding another layer to the unfolding power struggle.

Amid rising political tension, the Ogun State APC leadership has moved to dismiss suggestions of division within the party.

The State Publicity Secretary, Olufemi Nuberu, speaking during a live programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, insisted that the party remains united despite differing interests among stakeholders.

“The APC remains one indivisible entity. Internal disagreements are normal in politics and will be resolved amicably,” Nuberu said.

He also dismissed claims that Senator Daniel was deliberately excluded from the stakeholders’ meeting, noting that no formal complaint had been submitted to the party leadership.

Nuberu cautioned against relying on unverified reports, stressing that party decisions are guided by credible information rather than social media narratives.