Former Ogun State governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel, has formally declared his intention to seek re-election into the Senate, picking up his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Daniel announced the move on Tuesday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that his decision was driven by a commitment to continue what he described as “effective and responsive representation” for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District.
“Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate… to continue my efforts in serving the people of Ogun East,” he wrote.
His declaration comes amid growing tension within the APC in Ogun State, particularly in Ogun East, following reports that party stakeholders had endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as a consensus candidate for the senatorial ticket.
The alleged endorsement was said to have been reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders, lawmakers, councillors, and grassroots representatives reportedly agreed on backing the governor.
However, the process has been marred by controversy. Daniel and his supporters were reportedly denied access to the meeting venue, an action his camp described as deliberate exclusion.
In a viral video at the time, the former governor expressed frustration over the development, saying he and his supporters were barred from entering the hall despite arriving early for the meeting.
The situation further deepened divisions within the party, with Daniel’s loyalists under the BATOGD Movement rejecting the consensus arrangement. They alleged that the process was manipulated to sideline their principal and favour the governor’s camp.
Speaking in Sagamu, the group’s spokesperson, retired General Olumuyiwa Okunowo, described the exercise as a violation of APC guidelines, insisting it did not reflect genuine consensus among stakeholders.
Despite the internal wrangling, Daniel’s decision to pick up the nomination form signals his determination to remain in the race, setting the stage for a potential showdown within the Ogun East APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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