Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has opened up on the worsening political relationship between himself and former governor Gbenga Daniel, saying he ignored advice against supporting Daniel’s Senate ambition during the 2023 general election.
Abiodun made the remarks in Abeokuta while receiving members of Daniel’s political family and loyalists of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu into the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress.
According to a statement issued Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor said the return of the groups would further strengthen the APC as preparations begin for the 2027 elections.
The governor recalled that he was warned against backing Daniel as the party’s candidate for the Ogun East senatorial seat. Those who advised him against the move, he said, feared the former governor could eventually become a political opponent.
Abiodun said he nevertheless supported Daniel out of respect for his status as a former governor of the state.
“Despite the warnings, I supported Daniel because of my respect for him as a former governor,” Abiodun said, adding that he believed former occupants of the office deserved continued respect.
The governor also referred to a political meeting where Daniel allegedly expressed uncertainty about who would emerge as Ogun State’s next governor, despite one of the contenders being a member of his political party.
Abiodun further raised concerns about a recent gathering linked to Daniel’s Gateway Front Foundation, which the governor said appeared to show the former governor moving away from the mainstream of the APC. The event was reportedly attended by the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.
However, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, rejected claims that the foundation had been relaunched. He said the gathering was simply a reunion of old and new members to plan for the organisation’s 25th anniversary, adding that Adebutu had been a member for more than two decades.
Daniel’s media office also dismissed a circulating audio recording allegedly involving the senator, describing it as manipulated and fabricated. It said law enforcement agencies had been invited to investigate those behind the recording and its circulation, while legal action was being considered.
Abiodun, meanwhile, reflected on the use of political power, warning politicians against behaving like emperors or abusing authority.
The exchange comes as political tension grows over the 2027 Ogun East senatorial race. Daniel is believed to be seeking another term, while Abiodun, whose second term as governor ends next year, is also reportedly interested in the seat.
The APC has adopted Abiodun as its consensus candidate for the election, after which he was declared winner of the party’s primary.
