The political rift between Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, has deepened. Governor Abiodun accused Senator Daniel of being an ingrate, claiming he supported Daniel's senatorial bid during the 2023 elections only to face opposition from him now.
The conflict between the two leaders escalated after some APC leaders in Ogun East excluded Daniel from a stakeholders' forum in Ijebu-Ode and endorsed Abiodun as the party's consensus candidate from the zone. Despite this, Daniel, a former governor, purchased the APC senatorial nomination form to re-contest for the Senate seat in the 2027 elections, challenging Abiodun's interest and the party's endorsement.
During an APC stakeholders' meeting in Ogun East on Tuesday, Abiodun claimed he facilitated Daniel's return to the APC and played a crucial role in his emergence as a senator. He expressed disappointment, saying, 'You are an ingrate, I leave you to your conscience.'
However, Daniel's media office rejected Abiodun's claims, describing them as fictional and a misrepresentation of history. In a statement dated April 29, 2026, the office responded after receiving requests to clarify remarks Abiodun reportedly made at a private gathering in Iperu. The statement chided Abiodun for making unsubstantiated claims in a closed setting, noting that such statements had not been openly examined or verified.
Daniel's media office affirmed that the senator's political influence in the state remains solid and independent of any external backing. The statement emphasized that Daniel's political standing is based on his own merit and grassroots support, not on any alleged assistance from the governor.
The ongoing feud highlights the deep divisions within the Ogun State APC as both leaders vie for political dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.
