Former Ogun State governor and senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing security concerns and alleged intimidation against his supporters.
The shocking development comes amid growing tensions within the Ogun State chapter of the APC over the contest for the Ogun East senatorial ticket. Daniel, who was seeking re election into the Senate, announced his decision shortly before the party’s primary election scheduled for Monday, directing his loyalists and political supporters to stay away from the exercise for their safety.
In a statement issued by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement and signed by its Director General, retired General Olumuyiwa Okunowo, the group alleged that there had been disturbing movements of suspected political thugs and other individuals allegedly positioned to attack members of Daniel’s political camp. The group claimed that threats and intimidation from agents linked to the state government created an atmosphere that could endanger the lives of supporters participating in the primary election. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
According to the statement, recent political developments and activities surrounding the APC primaries reinforced fears that violence could erupt during the exercise. The movement insisted that no political ambition was worth the blood or safety of its supporters, prompting the decision for Daniel to step aside from the race entirely. Supporters were consequently advised to boycott all activities connected to the senatorial primary election.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, later confirmed the withdrawal, maintaining that the safety of party members and supporters remained the top priority of the senator’s camp. He stated that Daniel and his supporters would only participate in any future process if the party could guarantee a transparent, peaceful, and fair exercise free from intimidation or violence.
The withdrawal has added another twist to the ongoing political tensions within the APC in Ogun State, where disagreements over consensus arrangements and candidate selections have continued to generate controversy ahead of the elections. Political observers believe the development could significantly reshape the contest for the Ogun East senatorial seat and further deepen divisions within the ruling party in the state.
Daniel remains one of the most influential political figures in Ogun State politics, having served as governor from 2003 to 2011 before later returning to active partisan politics under the APC. His latest decision is expected to trigger fresh reactions among party stakeholders and supporters across the state as preparations for the primaries continue.
