The political disagreement between Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has escalated, with both camps making new claims about loyalty within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Abiodun alleged on Thursday that Daniel appeared to be drifting away from the mainstream of the APC through what he described as indirect support for Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for 2027.
Supporters of Daniel rejected the accusation, insisting that the former governor’s political structure remains firmly behind him and committed to the APC.
In a statement issued by Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor said he had been advised not to support Daniel’s bid for the Senate in 2023 because of concerns that the former governor could later oppose him.
Abiodun reportedly made the remarks while receiving members of Daniel’s political family and associates of the late Buruji Kashamu into what he called the mainstream of the APC in Abeokuta.
According to the governor, despite the warnings he received, he supported Daniel out of respect for his status as a former governor and his belief that political disagreements should not diminish the honour accorded to previous occupants of the office.
He also referred to recent political developments, including an event linked to the Gateway Front Foundation, where Ladi Adebutu was present, suggesting that Daniel was operating outside the party’s mainstream.
Abiodun maintained that he still regards Daniel as a political leader because he served as governor before him, but added that political power should be exercised responsibly and not as if anyone were above others.
The governor also welcomed the returning political groups, saying their decision would strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. He assured them that his administration would continue to promote unity and inclusiveness within the party.
Among those who spoke at the meeting were Tunde Adesanya and Oladipupo Owoduni, who reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and to Abiodun. Owoduni announced the launch of a mobilisation effort known as “Operation 5 Direct,” aimed at supporting President Bola Tinubu, Dapo Abiodun, Solomon Adeola, and other APC candidates in Ogun East.
In response, the OGD Loyal Coordinators Forum, through a statement signed by Kolade Segun-Okeowo, Yekeen Adesanya and Jide Onadeko, said the individuals who met with the governor acted in their personal capacity and did not represent the larger OGD political family.
The forum insisted that its loyalty to Gbenga Daniel remains intact and that the movement is still united, organised and focused.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, also rejected claims that the Gateway Front Foundation had been relaunched. He explained that the gathering was merely a reunion of old and new members of the foundation in preparation for its 25th anniversary, adding that Adebutu had been associated with the foundation for more than two decades.
The former governor’s media office further distanced him from a circulating audio recording, describing it as manipulated and doctored material intended to mislead the public and damage Daniel’s reputation. The office said law enforcement agencies had been invited to investigate those responsible for the recording and its circulation, while legal action would also be pursued.
The renewed exchange comes amid an ongoing struggle over the Ogun East Senate seat. Daniel, who currently represents the district, is seeking another term, while Abiodun is also interested in contesting for the seat after completing his second term as governor in May 2027.
The APC has since adopted Abiodun as its consensus candidate for the 2027 Ogun East senatorial election, and he was subsequently declared the winner of the party’s primary for the seat.
