Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has welcomed members of the Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) political family and the Buruji Kashamu political group into the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abiodun received the groups during a meeting at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, describing their decision to join the APC mainstream as a significant development that would strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor commended the groups for choosing to work with the APC and urged political actors with common interests to unite rather than expend their energy supporting different political parties.
He, however, expressed concern over the recent relaunch of the foundation of Senator Gbenga Daniel, the former governor of Ogun State and serving senator representing Ogun East, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, was the special guest of honour.
According to Abiodun, the development appeared to indicate that Daniel had chosen to operate outside the mainstream APC despite being a respected political figure in 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 guided by respect for the office of governor and the responsibilities associated with occupying the position.
He also reflected on his political journey, saying his experiences had taught him that political power was a privilege 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 political developments surrounding the 2023 elections, revealing that some individuals had advised him against supporting Daniel’s emergence as the APC senatorial candidate because of concerns that the former governor could eventually turn against him.
Despite the warnings, he said he backed Daniel because of his respect for him as a former governor.
“I just decided that we should honour him because one day, I will also become a former governor,” Abiodun said.
The governor also referred to previous political disagreements, stating, “Now the gloves are off. He is the same person that we heard in an audio saying he had taken someone to court.”
Abiodun assured the new APC entrants that they would not regret their decision, promising that his administration would continue to promote unity, inclusiveness and cohesion within the party.
He also disclosed that major developments concerning 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 at the meeting, the governor’s Senior Consultant on Political Matters, Aremo Tunde Adesanya, said the delegation had gathered to formally reaffirm its loyalty to the APC and commitment to Abiodun.
Adesanya, who previously served as Daniel’s coordinator in Odogbolu Local Government Area before his removal over his alignment with the APC mainstream, said the group had decided to fully identify with the ruling party.
Also speaking, Oladipupo Owoduni said the meeting was organised to bring together political stakeholders committed to the APC, Governor Abiodun and the party’s candidates.
Owoduni dismissed reports that members of the group would support candidates of other political parties, insisting that their loyalty remained with the APC.
He disclosed that the group had commenced an “Operation 5 Direct” mobilisation programme aimed at securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abiodun in his senatorial bid, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in the governorship election, as well as APC candidates contesting for the House of Representatives and Ogun State House of Assembly seats in Ogun East.
The latest development is expected to further strengthen the APC’s political structure in Ogun East as the party intensifies mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
