By our Reporter
A faction of leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District has endorsed Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, as its consensus candidate for the 2027 Senate election, effectively sidelining incumbent senator, Gbenga Daniel.
The endorsement was announced on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which brought together party leaders and grassroots representatives aligned with the governor.
Tension reportedly trailed the meeting as Daniel and his supporters were denied entry into the venue, sparking protests outside. In a viral video, the former governor was seen addressing his supporters, urging them to remain calm amid the development.
The meeting, which was restricted to invited participants, had in attendance members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), serving and former local government chairmen, past and present lawmakers at both state and national levels, councillors, ward executives, as well as youth and women leaders across the district.
Speaking at the event, former Ogun East senator, Lekan Mustapha, said the endorsement was based on a shared conviction among stakeholders that Abiodun possesses the capacity to effectively represent the district at the National Assembly.
“We will constitute a delegation to formally convey this decision to the governor and also demonstrate our commitment by purchasing his nomination forms,” Mustapha said.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, described the endorsement as unanimous and reflective of confidence in the governor’s leadership and track record.
Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, Femi Ogunbanwo, representing Odogbolu, Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu North East Federal Constituency, said Abiodun’s administration had fostered peace and development, expressing optimism that he would attract greater dividends of democracy to Ogun East at the national level.
Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Afolabi Odulate, also commended the governor’s performance and urged him to accept the senatorial bid.
The meeting reportedly had participation from all 103 councillors across the nine local governments in Ogun East, alongside key grassroots mobilisers and party elders.
Other people present included former senators Gbenga Kaka and Lekan Mustapha, Ogun East APC Chairman Adedoyin Adeleke, and other party stalwarts.
The development signals growing internal realignments within the APC in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
