OGD Is My Leader, But I Joined Ogun Politics Way Before Him — Abiodun Declares

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has declared that the immediate past governor of the state and serving senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, remains his political leader, stressing, however, that he joined Ogun politics long before the former governor.

Abiodun spoke in Abeokuta while receiving members of the political family of Daniel and supporters of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu into the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor said the decision by the groups to align with the APC would strengthen the party and enhance its chances of securing victory across Ogun East Senatorial District.

Addressing the gathering at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, Abiodun said political actors with shared interests should unite rather than expend their energy working at cross purposes, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.

He, however, expressed concern over the recent relaunch of the foundation of Senator Daniel, which had the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, as special guest of honour.

According to him, the development appeared to indicate that Daniel had chosen to operate outside the mainstream of the APC, despite being a respected former governor of the state.

“You know OGD is my leader because he was governor before me. I joined Ogun State politics way before him. Without a doubt, I was a senator-elect in the state in 1996/1997,” Abiodun said.

The governor said his relationship with Daniel had always been informed by respect for the office of governor and the responsibilities attached to it.

He recalled the political developments surrounding the 2023 elections, saying he had been advised against supporting Daniel’s emergence as the APC senatorial candidate because of concerns that the former governor could eventually turn against him.

Abiodun said he nevertheless supported Daniel because of his respect for him as a former governor and his conviction that political differences should not diminish the regard accorded former occupants of the office.

“I just decided that we should honour him because one day, I will also become a former governor,” he said.

The governor also reflected on his own political journey, saying his experiences had taught him that political power and influence were privileges from God that must be exercised responsibly.

“You don’t begin to act as if you are God. You don’t begin to play as if you are an emperor. God gives us power and looks at how we use it. If you utilise it very well, God will leave it with you for a long time to continue to wield it. If you abuse it, God will take it away from you and give it to somebody else,” he said.

Abiodun further recalled an occasion when, according to him, Daniel expressed uncertainty over who would emerge as the next governor of Ogun State, despite one of the contestants being a member of his political party.

“Now the gloves are off. He is the same person that we heard in an audio saying he had taken someone to court,” the governor added.

He assured the new entrants into the APC that they would not regret their decision, promising that his administration would continue to promote unity, inclusiveness and cohesion within the party.

Abiodun also disclosed that significant developments relating to Ogun State’s anticipated emergence as an oil-producing state and the proposed deep-sea port would be announced before the end of the year.

Speaking earlier, the governor’s Senior Consultant on Political Matters, Aremo Tunde Adesanya, said the delegation was at the meeting to formally reaffirm its loyalty to the APC and commitment to Abiodun.

Adesanya, who previously served as Daniel’s coordinator in Odogbolu Local Government before his removal over his alignment with the APC mainstream, said the group had decided to fully identify with the party.

Also speaking, Oladipupo Owoduni said the meeting was convened to bring together political stakeholders committed to the APC, Governor Abiodun and the party’s candidates.

He dismissed reports that members of the group would support candidates of other political parties, insisting that their commitment remained with the APC.

Owoduni disclosed that the group had commenced the “Operation 5 Direct” mobilisation programme, aimed at securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abiodun in his senatorial bid, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in the governorship election, as well as APC candidates for the House of Representatives and Ogun State House of Assembly in Ogun East.

The development adds to the APC’s mobilisation efforts in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 general elections.