•Gbenga Daniel
Former governor and the senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has stepped down from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary slated for today (Monday) alleging that there were plans to orchestrate violence against his supporters.
Daniel, who is contesting for re-election, has been locked in a political dispute with Governor Dapo Abiodun over OgunEast Senatorial ticket ahead the 2027 elections, reports The Guardian.
Tensions between the two camps have worsened recently, as loyalists of both political leaders trade accusations.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement, Otunba Daniel instructed his supporters to stay away from the primary election, citing security concerns and alleging threats from agents linked to the state government.
The statement jointly signed by the Director General of BATOGD, Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd), and 34 others, the group claimed that unusual movements and the reported presence of miscreants had increased concerns about possible violence ahead of the election exercise.
“In the last few days we have seen all manners of strange movements and miscreants taking positions and ready to strike down our people. We have heard and seen agents of the state government threatening fire and brimstone against our supporters, and the elections yesterday is a confirmation of our worst fears,” the statement read.
It further stated that, in good conscience, the group could not put its supporters at risk or subject them to violence and disorder.
“On this note, we have advised our Principal, His Excellency, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to distance himself from the senatorial party primary elections.
“We also hereby advise our supporters to stay away from the venues of the senatorial party primary election of Monday, May 18, 2026, for their own safety,” the statement added.
Also, the media aide to the senator, Steve Oliyide confirmed that Daniel supported the decision to pull out of the race.
“Yes, because we cannot put our supporters in harm’s way. Their safety is more of our concern than the contest. If the party is ready to conduct a free and fair election and can guarantee the safety of our members, then we are game,” Oliyide said.
