Former Ogun State governor and senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, on Tuesday declared that he would emerge victorious in a free and fair senatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.
Daniel spoke during an empowerment programme organised by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement in Ijebu-Ode, where he expressed confidence in his popularity among party members and residents of Ogun East Senatorial District.
“Without any doubt, in a free and fair primary, I will not just win, I will win overwhelmingly,” he said.
The former governor urged residents to independently assess his political strength and support base across the district.
“Go to town and ask the people who is truly on ground,” he added.
Daniel also alleged that some forces within the party were plotting to intimidate members and discourage participation during the primary election.
According to him, attempts were being made to create fear among party faithful in order to influence the outcome of the contest.
“What they depend on is using intimidation and violence to stop people from coming out to vote, but our supporters should not be discouraged,” he stated.
The political rivalry between Daniel and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has intensified in recent weeks following the endorsement of Abiodun by some APC stakeholders in Ogun East as the district’s consensus senatorial candidate.
The endorsement reportedly took place during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where Daniel was allegedly denied access to the venue.
Former Ogun East senator, Lekan Mustapha, had explained after the meeting that party leaders settled for Abiodun based on their belief in his ability to effectively represent the district at the Senate.
However, Daniel’s political structure rejected the endorsement, insisting that such an arrangement had no legal backing without the consent of all aspirants.
Deputy Director-General of the BATOGD Movement, Tayo Onayemi, maintained that the Electoral Act and the APC constitution only recognised consensus reached through written agreement among aspirants or through direct primary election.
Both Daniel and Abiodun have reportedly obtained and submitted nomination forms ahead of the party’s primary.
At the empowerment programme, which featured free medical screenings and the distribution of empowerment materials to constituents, Daniel accused the state government of frustrating projects he was facilitating in Ogun East.
“The biggest challenge we are facing in executing some of these projects is the attitude of the state government,” he alleged.
He also criticised the condition of healthcare and infrastructure within the district, questioning the government’s efforts to improve medical services and staffing in public hospitals.
Daniel further pointed to the turnout at the event as proof of his grassroots acceptance across Ogun East.
“The notice for this gathering was issued barely two days ago, yet people still came out in large numbers despite efforts to frustrate the programme,” he said.
He argued that the party could only make progress by respecting the wishes and support of ordinary members at the grassroots.
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