Fresh cracks have emerged within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress after Senator Gbenga Daniel officially withdrew from the party’s senatorial primary election scheduled for Monday.
The former Ogun State governor and current senator representing Ogun East announced his withdrawal amid rising political tension and fears of possible violence surrounding the exercise.
Daniel’s exit comes after weeks of growing political friction between his camp and supporters loyal to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun over the APC ticket for Ogun East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement released by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement, popularly known as the BATOGD Movement, the group said the decision was taken due to serious security concerns ahead of the primary.
According to the statement, there were unusual movements and reports of suspected troublemakers in areas linked to the election process, which created fear among supporters.
The movement also accused certain individuals allegedly connected to the state government of issuing threats against Daniel’s loyalists.
As a result, the group advised supporters to stay away from the primary venues to avoid any breakdown of law and order.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, later confirmed that the senator fully supported the withdrawal decision.
According to him, the safety of supporters remains the top priority, especially amid concerns about fairness and security during the primary process.
He added that participation would only continue under conditions that guarantee equal treatment and proper protection for everyone involved.
The development is expected to deepen conversations about internal divisions within the Ogun APC, especially as political camps continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of both Daniel and Governor Abiodun have spent recent weeks exchanging accusations and raising concerns over the handling of the party’s primary arrangements.
Gbenga Daniel remains one of the most influential political figures in Ogun State politics, having served as governor between 2003 and 2011, and later returned to national politics as a senator representing Ogun East.
