Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District on Tuesday held a World Press Conference in Asoludero Court, Sagamu, Ogun State, dismissing reports of a “purported suspension” of Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel and accusing the Ogun State Government of attempting to hijack party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
The conference, addressed by an aide to the Senator, Steve Oliyide and jointly endorsed by 10 party chieftains including Gen. Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd), Giwa Comrade Niyi Osoba, Otunba (Dr.) Korede Okusanya, and Princess Ronke Oduneye, described the alleged suspension of Senator Daniel as “a joke taken too far and an insult to democratic processes.”
The group expressed shock that such a claim first appeared in August on a “personal Facebook post” of an individual who identified himself as the Director of Publicity of the party in the state — a position unknown to many party members at the time.
“Is it ethical and logical to announce a suspension order on an individual’s Facebook page? There was no official communication, no allegation, no panel invitation, and no letter of suspension,” the group stated.
They added that despite the absence of any documentation, some media organisations published the suspension story without verifying it from the state or national leadership of the party.
CPS to Governor Indicted
The leaders further alleged that on November 5, 2025, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Dapo Abiodun circulated an unsigned press statement to the media, reiterating the same suspension claim and “issuing directives to the national leadership of the party on who to recognize in Ogun APC.”
“Is it appropriate for an appointee of the government — and an interested party — to speak for APC when the party has elected officers including a chairman and a secretary?” they queried.
Rift Rooted in 2027 Politics — Group Alleges
The speakers claimed the controversy is linked to emerging power struggles over the 2027 Ogun East Senatorial ticket, alleging that persons close to the governor are attempting to sideline Senator Daniel, who currently represents the district.
They argued that the party’s dwindling electoral fortunes in Ogun State began after 2019, despite Senator Daniel’s contributions to mobilizing votes that led to the victory of Prince Dapo Abiodun.
They recalled that in the 2019 election:
APC won with a margin of just 19,517 votes,
Most of the victory came from Ogun East, where Daniel mobilized support.
In contrast, during the 2023 governorship election:
The governor won with a slimmer margin of 13,915 votes,
Lost seven out of nine local government areas in Ogun East,
Lost in his own polling unit, ward, and local government.
Meanwhile, Senator Daniel won the Ogun East senatorial seat with 115,147 votes, the highest ever recorded in that district.
Alleged Persecution, Property Demolition
The chieftains also accused the state government of acts of political victimization, citing:
The demolition of DATKEM Plaza, a property owned by Senator Daniel’s wife, in September 2023.
Demolition notices allegedly placed on other Daniel-linked properties.
“Despite provocation, Senator Daniel chose to maintain peace and sought legal redress instead of escalating political tension,” they stated.
Call to National Leadership
The group urged the APC national leadership to intervene and investigate alleged anti-democratic tendencies within the Ogun Chapter, including claims that some party officials “were taken to shrines to swear oaths of loyalty.”
They also recommended:
Restructuring the APC executive leadership at state and ward levels,
Broader inclusion of all political tendencies within the party,
Protection of notable stakeholders, including former Governors Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun.
“Our party is dear to us. The earlier we fix this tear before it becomes a rent, the better for us all,” the leaders concluded.
The press briefing was signed by:
Gen. Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd),
Giwa Comrade Niyi Osoba, Ph.D,
Otunba (Dr.) Korede Okusanya,
Princess Ronke Oduneye,
Aremo Barr. Babatunde Adesanya,
Mrs. Josephine Makanjuola,
Dr. Bankole Osisanya,
Hon. Wole Olubena,
Arc. Abiodun Adesanya,
Mr. Dele Osifade, and
Alhaja Ganiyat Busari.
