Posted by Chinenye on Fri 14th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
Ogun politics has taken another dramatic turn after Governor Dapo Abiodun revealed a warning he received before supporting Gbenga Daniel's Senate bid.
(Gov. Abiodun. Photo by Guardian Nigerian News)
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has revealed that he was cautioned against supporting former governor and current senator Gbenga Daniel for the Senate during the 2023 elections, with advisers warning that Daniel might later oppose him politically.
Abiodun disclosed this while receiving members of Daniel's political circle and loyalists of the late senator into the All Progressives Congress in Abeokuta.
The governor characterised the return of these political groups as a significant development that would strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reflecting on 2023 events, Abiodun stated he had disregarded warnings against supporting Daniel's candidacy, explaining that he based his decision on respect for Daniel's status as a former governor and his belief that political disagreements should not diminish the regard accorded to former officeholders.
He further noted that his own future transition to former governor status informed his choice to honour Daniel.
Abiodun recalled a political meeting where Daniel had expressed uncertainty regarding the incoming governor of Ogun State, despite a contender from Daniel's own party being involved.
The governor added that Daniel had reportedly made statements in an audio recording regarding legal action against someone.
Abiodun also expressed concern about what he described as Daniel's recent foundation gathering, where the opposition Peoples Democratic Party's gubernatorial candidate reportedly attended as a special guest.
The governor suggested this development indicated Daniel was operating outside the APC mainstream, though he remains a respected political figure in Ogun State.
Abiodun emphasised his relationship with Daniel had always been guided by respect for the gubernatorial office and the standing of former office holders.
Abiodun reflected on his political trajectory, cautioning against the misuse of political power.
He stressed that leaders should not assume divine authority or behave as emperors, noting that God grants power and assesses how it is exercised.
He added that proper use of power enables its continuation, while abuse results in removal and transfer to others.
At the gathering in Abeokuta, the governor commended the political defectors and urged politicians with shared interests to unite their voices rather than work for separate parties.
In response, Daniel's media office denied that he had relaunched any foundation, characterising the event as a reunion of longstanding and new members of the Gateway Front Foundation ahead of its 25th anniversary.
The office questioned whether special guest designations were unusual for such commemorative gatherings and noted that opposition candidate Ladi Adebutu had been a foundation member for over 20 years.
Daniel's media office also addressed a circulating audio recording, describing it as manipulated and fabricated material that had been used for political blackmail and intimidation purposes.
The office stated it had been aware of the recording for over six weeks and had formally invited law enforcement agencies to investigate its source, manipulation and dissemination.
Legal action was being pursued against those connected with the alleged orchestrated campaign.
The political tension reflects ongoing disputes over the 2027 Ogun East senatorial seat.
Daniel is seeking another term while Abiodun, completing his second gubernatorial term, is believed to harbour senatorial ambitions.
The APC has since adopted Abiodun as its consensus candidate for the race, and he was declared winner of the party's primary election.