Ogun East Senate Race: Governor Abiodun Claims He Was Kingmaker Behind Daniel’s Rise, Now Seeks Revenge or Respect
The political landscape of Ogun State has been shaken by a dramatic revelation from Governor Dapo Abiodun. In a closed-door All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting held at his Iperu Remo residence on Tuesday night, Abiodun publicly claimed that he was the architect behind former Governor Gbenga Daniel’s political ascent—both as governor in 2003 and as senator for Ogun East in 2023. The meeting, which has since gone viral, marks a significant escalation in the brewing battle for the Ogun East Senate seat ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Core Allegation: Abiodun as the Kingmaker
Governor Abiodun stated unequivocally that he played a pivotal role in Daniel’s gubernatorial victory in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to Abiodun, after losing the PDP governorship primary to Daniel, he did not sulk or withdraw. Instead, he handed over his entire political structure to Daniel, effectively boosting his campaign and ensuring his victory at the polls.
“I was here when Senator Amosun became the governor, I was here when Otunba Gbenga Daniel became the governor and I actually contested against him in 2003 and when he emerged from the primaries, I was the first to congratulate him and handed over all my structures to him,” Abiodun said.
This claim, if true, reframes the narrative of Daniel’s 2003 victory. It suggests that Daniel’s win was not solely a product of his own political machinery but was significantly aided by the very man who now seeks to unseat him.
The Senate Seat Intervention: A Behind-the-Scenes Deal
Abiodun went further, revealing that he intervened personally to clear the path for Daniel’s election to the Senate in 2023 under the APC banner. He claimed that two prominent figures—former Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun and former Senator Lekan Mustapha—were the frontrunners for the party’s ticket. Abiodun said he used his influence to persuade both men to step down, allowing Daniel to emerge as the consensus candidate.
“I know what my intervention was before the two of them agreed to step down for Otunba Daniel to eventually emerge as the party’s candidate,” Abiodun stated. “If Senator Daniel now feels that the only way he wants to repay my years of support is to be sponsoring negative publicity and media attacks against me, I leave him to his conscience.”
This revelation adds a layer of personal betrayal to the political rivalry. Abiodun’s tone suggests that he feels used and unappreciated, accusing Daniel of repaying loyalty with media attacks.
Context: The Battle for Ogun East in 2027
The timing of this revelation is critical. At the stakeholders meeting, Abiodun formally announced his intention to contest the Ogun East Senate seat in 2027. This move comes after a recent APC caucus meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders adopted Abiodun as the consensus candidate for the district.
However, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the incumbent, has shown no signs of stepping aside. On Tuesday, despite the caucus decision, Daniel purchased the nomination form, signaling his intent to seek re-election. This sets the stage for a high-stakes primary battle between two political heavyweights with a long and complicated history.
What This Means for Ogun East Voters
For the electorate, this feud raises important questions about representation, loyalty, and the nature of political power in Ogun State. Abiodun’s promise to the people of Ogun East is clear: “When you gave me the mandate of Ogun State, I never disappointed you. I want to assure you that I will offer Ogun East the best representation ever in the history of the Red Chamber. I will not be a back bencher. I will not be a person that will get there to just look. I will offer good representation to the good people of Ogun East, so help me God.”
This statement is a direct challenge to Daniel’s record. Abiodun is positioning himself as a doer, not a spectator, implying that Daniel has been ineffective or absent. Voters will now have to weigh the competing claims of two men who both claim to have built the other’s career.
Practical Example: The Power of Political Structures
To understand the weight of Abiodun’s claim, consider the mechanics of Nigerian politics. A “political structure” is not just a network of supporters; it includes local party chairmen, ward leaders, youth groups, financial backers, and media contacts. When Abiodun says he handed over his structure to Daniel in 2003, he is saying he gave Daniel the keys to a ready-made campaign machine. In a state like Ogun, where political loyalty is often transactional, such a gift is invaluable. If true, it means Daniel’s 2003 victory was, in part, a victory for Abiodun’s organization.
Similarly, persuading two major candidates to step down for a Senate seat requires significant political capital. Abiodun’s claim that he did this for Daniel in 2023 suggests a level of influence that Daniel may now be underestimating.
What Comes Next?
The coming weeks will likely see a war of words and a scramble for delegates. Both men will need to secure the support of local party chairmen and ward executives. The APC primary for Ogun East will be a test of organizational strength, personal loyalty, and the ability to mobilize voters.
For now, Governor Abiodun has drawn a line in the sand. He has publicly declared that he will not be a backbencher in the Senate, and he has framed his candidacy as a continuation of his service to the state. Senator Daniel, meanwhile, has yet to respond directly to these allegations, but his purchase of the nomination form suggests he is not backing down.
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This race is no longer just about a Senate seat. It is a referendum on political loyalty, the value of past favors, and the future direction of Ogun East. Voters will be watching closely to see which narrative prevails.
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