Former Governor of Ogun State and serving Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has denied rumours suggesting that he is planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Daniel, who governed Ogun State between 2003 and 2011 and now serves in the 10th National Assembly, made the clarification in a statement issued yesterday by the OGD Media Office. He described the speculation as “false and misleading,” stressing that he remains a loyal member of the APC.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Gbenga Daniel is and remains a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, a serving Senator and committed to his mandate on the platform of the party,” the statement read.
The clarification comes a week after the APC in Ogun State announced the suspension of Senator Daniel and another chieftain of the party, Mr. Kunle Folarin, over alleged anti-party activities. The move had fueled speculation that Daniel was on his way back to the PDP, the party under which he first rose to national prominence as governor.
But Daniel dismissed the insinuations, maintaining that his focus remains on serving the people of Ogun East and supporting initiatives that will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Beyond clearing the air on his political affiliation, the former governor also expressed support for the full implementation of the 2014 National Conference report. He argued that the recommendations contained in the confab report remain critical to addressing Nigeria’s political, economic, and security challenges.
According to him, issues such as restructuring, devolution of powers, and resource control which formed the basis of many recommendations during the conference must be revisited if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable growth and stability.
Daniel, widely respected as one of the elder statesmen from the South-West, emphasized that his call for the implementation of the report is not about partisan politics but about laying a solid foundation for national unity and development.
The senator reiterated his commitment to his constituents, assuring them that he would continue to pursue legislation and policies that improve infrastructure, education, and economic empowerment in Ogun East. He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC at both state and national levels, urging party members to remain united despite recent disagreements.
“As we move forward, our priority must be the progress of our people, not unnecessary distractions,” he noted.
Daniel’s denial and renewed call for national reforms are expected to douse political speculations in Ogun State while also reigniting debates around the 2014 confab recommendations, which successive governments have largely ignored.
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