Why Insiders Say Gbenga Daniel’s Re-Election Ambition Just Got A Big Boost Amid Feud With Abiodun

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has introduced a sweeping set of internal reforms that could redefine its political structure nationwide — and in Ogun State, the ripple effect appears to be working in favour of Senator Gbenga Daniel.

The new statutory rules, designed to strengthen internal democracy and ensure fair play across all levels of the party, come at a politically sensitive time for Ogun APC.

Senator Daniel, a former two-term Governor and current lawmaker representing Ogun East, has been in an intense and visible contest of influence with the incumbent Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, over the control of the party’s machinery and the 2027 succession plan.

Their political relationship, once cordial, has since grown distant. Many recall that in 2019, Daniel was part of the diverse political blocs that supported Abiodun’s emergence as Governor.

However, differences over political alignment and direction gradually created a rift between both camps, leaving room for contrasting ambitions to play out in the background.

Those ambitions came to the fore recently following claims that Governor Abiodun may be considering the Ogun East Senatorial seat currently occupied by Daniel.

The speculation, confirmed by Abiodun’s Senior Special Adviser on Social Media, Emmanuel Ojo — who referred to the Governor as “incoming Senator for Ogun East” — has now heightened interest in how the party’s new reforms could alter the political equation.

Under the APC’s revised structure, the National Working Committee (NWC) now holds supreme authority over all state chapters, effectively centralising major decisions at the national level.

This means state leaders and governors can no longer unilaterally influence local primaries or candidate selection without the approval of the national secretariat.

For Daniel, whose support base extends across grassroots networks beyond the senatorial district, the reform could create a fairer platform to pursue re-election without undue interference from state structures.

Another key provision appears even more consequential. The APC now requires any two-term Governor seeking another elective office — such as a Senate seat — to relinquish their role as State Party Leader immediately upon declaring such intention.

The national leadership will then appoint an acting State Leader to oversee internal processes, ensuring neutrality and transparency.

This clause, analysts say, could significantly alter the dynamics in Ogun, where Abiodun, in his final term as Governor, is widely believed to be considering a move to the National Assembly.

Equally important is the rule that grants incumbent Presidents and Governors “first right of refusal” in re-election bids, a concept that some believe also extends to serving lawmakers.

By implication, Daniel, as an incumbent Senator, would enjoy priority in the party’s nomination process, except he chooses otherwise – if this analysis is adopted.

Party insiders view this as a strong institutional backing that could consolidate his hold on the senatorial seat heading into the next election cycle.

Political observers note that while the reforms were not crafted with any individual in mind, their timing could reshape several local power contests across the country.

In Ogun, they may help to reduce tension within the APC by placing greater emphasis on fairness and internal balance.

“The reforms are meant to bring order, discipline, and transparency,” a senior party source explained, adding “No more arbitrary decisions or undue dominance by any level of leadership.”

The development represents a significant procedural advantage, for Daniel — one that aligns with his long-standing advocacy for internal democracy within the party.

While it introduces a new set of political calculations for Abiodun, as he prepares for life beyond the governorship.

Whether the reforms will be fully enforced remains to be seen, but for now, many within Ogun APC believe the new rules have subtly shifted momentum.

As one insider put it, “These changes are not just administrative — they could define the future shape of politics in the state.”