According to a report by the Punch, the political disagreement between Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and his predecessor, Gbenga Daniel, has intensified as both camps continue to disagree over political allegiance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun accused Daniel of gradually moving away from the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress through what he described as apparent support for the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, in the 2027 election.
Speaking while receiving some members of Daniel’s political structure and the late Buruji Kashamu’s political group into the APC mainstream in Abeokuta, the governor revisited the political developments surrounding the 2023 elections and his decision to support Daniel’s senatorial ambition despite reservations from some political advisers.
Abiodun explained that his support for the former governor was influenced by his respect for Daniel’s status as a former governor and his belief that political differences should not erase the respect owed to those who had previously occupied the office.
“I just decided that we should honour him because one day, I will also become a former governor.”
The governor also expressed concern over Daniel’s recent political activities, particularly an event involving the Gateway Front Foundation where Adebutu was present. He said the development had raised questions about whether the former governor was still fully aligned with the APC.
Abiodun maintained that his relationship with Daniel had historically been based on respect for the office of governor. He also reflected on his own political journey, arguing that political power should be exercised responsibly and that those entrusted with public authority should avoid treating it as personal entitlement.
The governor welcomed the political groups that recently aligned with the APC, describing their decision as important to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged political actors with common interests to work together rather than divide their support among different political parties.
The group’s representatives reaffirmed their support for Abiodun and the APC, with one of them announcing the commencement of a mobilisation programme designed to support APC candidates across Ogun East Senatorial District.
However, the OGD Loyal Coordinators Forum rejected the impression that Daniel’s wider political structure had abandoned him. The forum said the individuals who met with Abiodun acted independently and did not represent the position of Daniel’s broader political family.
The forum maintained that its loyalty to Daniel remained intact and that it would continue supporting his political leadership and objectives. It also urged the public to disregard claims that Daniel’s loyalists had collectively defected to the APC mainstream.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, also disputed the governor’s description of the Gateway Front Foundation event, explaining that it was a reunion of old and new members organised in preparation for the foundation’s 25th anniversary rather than a relaunch.
He further defended Adebutu’s presence at the event, noting that the PDP governorship candidate had been associated with the foundation for many years.
Daniel’s media office had also previously denied the authenticity of an audio recording allegedly involving the former governor, describing it as manipulated material intended to damage his reputation and create political controversy. The office said relevant law enforcement agencies had been contacted to investigate the recording and its circulation.
The disagreement between Abiodun and Daniel has become more pronounced over the 2027 Ogun East senatorial race. Daniel, the incumbent senator, is seeking another term, while Abiodun, who will complete his second term as governor in May 2027, is also seeking the senatorial seat.
The APC subsequently adopted Abiodun as its consensus candidate, after which he emerged as the party’s candidate in the senatorial primary.
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