Senator Daniel says he's ready to face any primary challengers in 2027.

vows to defeat Abiodun in free, fair contest

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Former Ogun State Governor and current Senator for Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, announced on Tuesday that he is ready to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for the 2027 general elections, asserting his confidence of winning in a free and fair contest.

Speaking at the BAT/OGD Movement Mid‑Term Assessment Tour and Empowerment Programme in Ijebu‑Ode local government, Daniel claimed that no other aspirant in the party can match his popularity and grassroots support throughout Ogun East.

He emphasized that the ultimate decision on who will represent the party rests with APC members at the ward level, urging party faithful not to yield to intimidation or political pressure during the primary.

“I have reached the point of no return in this contest. On the day of the primary election, every APC member should go to his or her ward with their membership card and vote for the candidate of their choice.”

“In a free and fair primary, I will not only win, I will win overwhelmingly. The people know those who are working for them and those who truly have their interests at heart.”

Daniel warned that certain factions within the APC were allegedly planning to intimidate members and suppress voter turnout at the party primary, urging supporters not to be discouraged.

“I have heard that people may be scared from coming out to vote, but they should not be intimidated. This is a democratic process and everyone has the right to participate freely,” he said.

The senator’s comments come amid escalating tension between him and Governor Dapo Abiodun over the Ogun East senatorial seat. The rivalry intensified after an APC stakeholder meeting reportedly endorsed Abiodun as the consensus candidate for the district.

Daniel countered that only party members have the constitutional right to select the party’s candidate through the primary process.

The event, attended by APC leaders, party members and residents from across Ogun East, featured the distribution of empowerment items such as sewing machines, fertilisers, farming tools, freezers and other equipment, alongside free medical examinations for beneficiaries.

Highlighting projects he initiated as governor and senator, Daniel asserted that Ogun East would benefit further from his representation if re‑elected.

He also accused the state government of hindering some development initiatives he sought to bring to the district.

“The biggest challenge confronting some of these projects is the attitude of the state government. I believe governance should be about collaboration in the interest of the people,” he stated.

Daniel expressed concern over healthcare and infrastructure deficiencies in the district, calling for increased staffing and better medical facilities.

“We need more doctors, nurses and improved healthcare services for our people. Government must pay more attention to these critical sectors,” he added.

The senator pointed to the high attendance at the empowerment programme as proof of his enduring popularity and acceptance among Ogun East residents.

“The notice for this programme was issued barely two days ago, yet people came out in large numbers. That clearly shows where the people stand,” he said.

Several speakers at the gathering praised Daniel for his developmental achievements in Ijebuland during his tenure as governor and as senator for Ogun East.

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