Supporters of Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the incumbent Senator representing Ogun East and a former Governor of Ogun State, have issued a stern advisory urging him and all loyal party members to boycott the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries for the 2027 general elections, slated for Monday. The call stems from profound concerns over security and a perceived erosion of democratic fairness within the party’s ranks.
In a comprehensive statement released on Sunday, 21 representatives of Senator Daniel’s support base, operating under the umbrella of the Boa Ahmed Tinubu-Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement, unequivocally counselled their principal to distance himself from the primary exercise. They further cautioned all party faithful across the senatorial zone, who align with Senator Daniel, to steer clear of the designated primary venues for their own safety.
This development unfolds as the APC has globally scheduled its National Assembly primaries for May 18, a date that includes the crucial Ogun East senatorial contest. Significantly, the incumbent Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is also reportedly vying for the coveted APC senatorial ticket, setting the stage for a high-stakes internal contest.
The BATOGD Movement articulated that recent occurrences within the state chapter of the ruling party have regrettably fallen short of acceptable democratic standards. They warned that active participation in the primary election could potentially expose their supporters to unwarranted danger.
“We have diligently followed our principal, His Excellency Otunba Gbenga Daniel, across all the nooks and crannies of the Ogun East Senatorial District, engaging in various empowerment initiatives for our people. We are profoundly grateful that the immense goodwill of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been supportive in no small measure,” the statement read, highlighting their commitment and political alignment.
However, the party stalwarts lamented a drastic shift in the political atmosphere, alleging that recent developments have fostered an environment rife with tension and insecurity. “What we have experienced in no distant time is at variance with our fundamental understanding of the principles of a democratic system, where fair play remains the minimum expectation,” they asserted, expressing deep dissatisfaction.
The group further escalated their allegations, stating: “In the last few days, we have observed all manner of strange movements and miscreants taking strategic positions, seemingly poised to disrupt and threaten our people. We have equally witnessed and heard individuals openly issuing threats of fire and brimstone against our dedicated supporters.” These grave accusations underscore the heightened apprehension within their camp.
This escalating situation comes amidst prolonged political tensions that have simmered within the Ogun State chapter of the APC. For several months, a quiet yet intense rivalry has unfolded between political blocs loyal to Senator Daniel and those backing Governor Abiodun. This struggle primarily centres on the control of the party’s intricate structure and the hotly contested Ogun East senatorial ticket, an influential position in the state’s political landscape.
While both camps have, at various junctures, publicly maintained a facade of party unity and cohesion, the relentless contests over delegate influence and the looming senatorial nomination process have undeniably deepened internal divisions within the ruling party in Ogun State.
Prominent APC stakeholders who appended their signatures to the potent statement include Olumuyiwa Okunowo, Fatai Sowemimo, Remmy Hassan, Aremo Babatunde Adesanya, Babatunde Onadeko, Ronke Carew, alongside several other influential figures drawn from key political blocs across Ijebu, Remo, Ogun Waterside, and Sagamu areas of the state. The boycott threat casts a long shadow over the integrity and outcome of the impending primaries, signalling a significant internal challenge for the Ogun State APC.
Originally sourced from Premium Times. This article has been rewritten for our readers.
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