…Says NWC Lacks Powers to Reverse Action
The Executive Committee of Ward 4 of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State has insisted that the suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, remains valid and unchanged.
Addressing journalists on Thursday at the ward secretariat in Sabo, Sagamu, the ward leadership maintained that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) lacks the constitutional authority to reverse or nullify the disciplinary action taken against the senator.
The declaration comes despite a November 17, 2025 letter from the APC National Secretariat directing the Ogun State chapter to halt further action on Daniel’s suspension pending a formal review by the NWC.
The letter, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, expressed concern over the development, noting that the NWC had not yet deliberated on the matter as required under Articles 21.3(d) and (e) of the APC Constitution. It further emphasized that due process must be followed before any disciplinary measure can stand.
However, speaking on behalf of the ward leadership, the Ward Secretary, Mr. Durojaiye Oluwole, dismissed the interpretation of the National Secretariat, insisting that initiating disciplinary proceedings against any member is the “exclusive preserve” of the Executive Committee concerned—whether at ward, local government, state, zonal, or national level—depending on the nature of the allegations.
Oluwole explained that the suspension of Senator Daniel followed his failure to honour invitations to defend allegations of anti-party activities, including conduct during the last general elections and alleged actions aimed at undermining APC candidates at the Election Petitions Tribunal.
He stressed that while Article 21(5)(vii) empowers the NWC to suspend members, that authority does not override or invalidate the disciplinary powers of executive committees at other levels.
“No provision of Article 21(4) subjects the decision to suspend Senator Daniel to the review or overview of the National Working Committee,” he stated.
According to him, the ward’s action remains valid unless overturned through an appeal process as stipulated in the party’s constitution—not by directive of the NWC.
“Consequently, the directive contained in the National Secretary’s letter is misplaced and has no foundation in the party’s constitution. The NWC cannot review, nullify, set aside, or reverse the valid suspension earlier imposed on Senator Daniel by the appropriate party organs in Ogun State,” he said.
The ward maintained that although the senator has not been expelled, his suspension—unchallenged through the proper party channels—remains fully in force, effectively halting his rights and privileges within the APC.
Oluwole reaffirmed that Senator Daniel’s alleged anti-party actions during and after the elections remain unresolved, stressing that the ward stood firm on its decision.
“We therefore reaffirm that the suspension of Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel remains in full effect,” he declared.
The ward leadership reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline, fairness, and adherence to due process in the party.
