Senate: Gbenga Daniel Pulls Out Of Ogun APC Primary, Provides Reasons

Former Ogun State governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has pulled out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) direct primary , declaring that his camp would not participate in what it described as a “predetermined and fundamentally compromised” process.

In a statement issued on behalf of the OGD political family by Otunba Fatai Sowemimo, Daniel said his decision followed “wide consultations and careful consideration” of the realities surrounding the exercise.

The former governor’s camp said the move was a principled rejection of a process it believes has already been manipulated against fairness and democratic integrity.

“After wide consultations and careful consideration of the prevailing realities surrounding tomorrow’s so-called direct primary election, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), has taken the principled decision not to participate in a process that is clearly predetermined and fundamentally compromised,” the statement read.

The camp alleged that the credibility of the primary had been eroded by the conduct of those expected to ensure neutrality.

“No genuine contest can exist where the supposed umpire has openly transformed himself into a contestant, thereby destroying every appearance of neutrality and fair play,” Sowemimo said.

Daniel’s loyalists maintained that participating in the exercise would amount to endorsing injustice and undermining the democratic values they claim to represent.

“Participating in a manipulated exercise would amount to legitimizing injustice and betraying the democratic values we have consistently stood for,” the statement added.

The OGD camp framed the withdrawal not as political surrender, but as a deliberate stand against what it called the erosion of internal democracy in Ogun State.

“This decision is therefore not an act of weakness, but a courageous stand for integrity, equity, and the future of internal democracy in Ogun State,” the statement said.
Supporters across Ogun East were also urged to remain peaceful and resolute despite the development.

“We urge all our supporters across Ogun East and beyond to remain calm, peaceful, focused, and steadfast. History will always remember those who stood for truth when compromise became fashionable,” Sowemimo stated.

The development signals fresh tension within Ogun APC, particularly in Ogun East, where Daniel remains a significant political force.

“The struggle for justice, fairness, and responsible leadership continues. OGD remains committed to the people,” the statement concluded.