Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has revealed that he was warned against supporting former governor Gbenga Daniel’s bid for the Senate in the 2023 election, amid concerns that Daniel could later become a political opponent.
Abiodun made the disclosure while receiving Daniel’s political associates and loyalists of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu into the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abeokuta.
The governor said he deliberately ignored the warnings because of his respect for Daniel as a former governor and his belief that political differences should not erase respect for former office holders.
“Despite the warnings, I supported Daniel because of my respect for him as a former governor and my belief that political disagreements should not diminish the respect accorded former occupants of the office.”
Abiodun said he also considered the possibility that he would one day leave office and become a former governor himself.
However, he accused Daniel of later taking political positions that appeared to put him at odds with the current administration. He also referenced an audio recording allegedly involving the former governor, although Daniel’s media office has dismissed the recording as manipulated and fabricated.
The governor further criticised Daniel over an event involving the Gateway Front Foundation, where PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu was reportedly present. Abiodun said the development appeared to suggest that Daniel was operating outside the APC mainstream.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, however, rejected the claim that the foundation had been relaunched, explaining that the gathering was simply a reunion of old and new members ahead of the foundation’s 25th anniversary.
Oliyide also defended Adebutu’s presence, saying he was a longstanding member of the foundation and had played a significant role in its activities.
Daniel’s media office has separately maintained that the circulating audio allegedly involving the former governor was doctored and said law enforcement agencies had been invited to investigate its source and dissemination.
The political disagreement comes as tension grows over the 2027 Ogun East senatorial race. Daniel is reportedly interested in retaining his Senate seat, while Abiodun, who is expected to complete his second term as governor next year, is also seeking the position.
The APC has adopted Abiodun as its consensus candidate for the Ogun East Senate race, and he subsequently emerged victorious in the party’s primary.
Source: Statement by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, and responses from Gbenga Daniel’s media office.
