Key Takeaways
- Gbenga Daniel, former governor and senator, challenges Governor Dapo Abiodun to a live TV debate over the Ogun East senatorial ticket.
- Daniel disputes the consensus claim, stating that all aspirants must agree for a consensus candidate.
- He alleges political impropriety, exclusion from key meetings, and pressures on party members due to incumbency and economic hardship.
- The senator calls for a transparent primary process, warning of potential harm to the governor's administration.
- Daniel is willing to withdraw if President Bola Tinubu personally directs him to do so for party unity.
Ogun East Senatorial Battle Heats Up
The battle for the Ogun East senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 elections has taken an intriguing turn, with former governor and senator Gbenga Daniel issuing a bold challenge to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
During a recent interview on TVC’s Beyond The Headlines, Daniel rejected claims that Abiodun had emerged as the consensus candidate, emphasizing that a consensus requires agreement from all parties involved.
“There was no consensus. What happened was an endorsement,” Daniel clarified, adding that he had already obtained nomination forms and completed screening for the APC primaries.
Daniel alleged that he was excluded from a crucial APC caucus meeting where Abiodun was endorsed, a move he described as politically improper given his status as the incumbent senator.
The senator further accused some party leaders of crossing political boundaries and warned that certain decisions being taken around the governor could have adverse effects on his administration.
In a bold move, Daniel directly challenged Abiodun to a face-to-face televised debate, inviting Nigerians to judge their records and positions.
“I would like to sit with him in public and let Nigerians decide,” Daniel said, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
Daniel also alleged that some party members were coerced into supporting Abiodun’s endorsement due to the influence of incumbency and the prevailing economic climate.
He expressed concerns over the credibility of the APC primary process in Ogun State, suggesting that officials expected to remain neutral had already taken sides.
The senator called on the party’s national leadership to ensure a fair and transparent primary election, emphasizing the need to avoid deepening divisions within the APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
However, Daniel expressed his willingness to step down if President Bola Tinubu personally intervened for the sake of party unity.
“The president is the leader of the party, and if he asks me to step down, I will obey,” Daniel stated.
Why This Matters
The challenge thrown by Gbenga Daniel highlights the importance of transparency and fair processes within political parties, especially as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections.