Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has welcomed political stakeholders from the Ogun East Senatorial District who recently aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), while cautioning against actions that could undermine party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Governor received the group at a meeting held at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, where he commended their decision to work together for the success of the APC and its candidates across the district.
Governor's Appeal for Unity and a Veiled Warning
Governor Abiodun emphasized that political actors with shared interests should speak with one voice, especially in an election year, rather than dissipate their energy across different parties. He expressed concern over the recent relaunch of the foundation of Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of the state, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, was the special guest of honour. Abiodun said this development suggested that Daniel might be operating outside the mainstream of the APC, despite his status as a respected political figure.
The Governor noted that his relationship with Daniel has always been guided by respect for the office of governor and the responsibilities that come with being a former governor. “You know OGD is my leader because he was governor before me. I joined Ogun State politics way before him. Without a doubt, I was a senator-elect in the state in 1996/1997,” Abiodun said.
Reflections on Political Power and Past Warnings
Recalling his political journey, Abiodun said his experiences taught him that political influence and power are privileges from God that must be exercised responsibly. “You don’t begin to act as if you are God. You don’t begin to play as if you are an emperor. God gives us power and looks at how we use it. If you utilise it very well, God will leave it with you for a long time to continue to wield it. If you abuse it, God will take it away from you and give it to somebody else,” he said.
The Governor also revisited the political developments of 2023, revealing that he had been advised against supporting Daniel’s emergence as the APC senatorial candidate due to concerns that the former governor might turn against him. Despite the warnings, Abiodun said he supported Daniel out of respect for his status as a former governor and his belief that political disagreements should not diminish such respect. “I just decided that we should honour him because one day, I will also become a former governor,” he said.
Commitment to the APC and Future Projects
Abiodun further recalled an occasion where Daniel expressed uncertainty over who would emerge as the next governor of Ogun State, despite one of the contestants being a member of his own party. “Now the gloves are off. He is the same person that we heard in an audio saying he had taken someone to court,” Abiodun added. He assured the new entrants into the APC that they would not regret their decision, promising that his administration would continue to promote unity, inclusiveness, and cohesion within the party.
The Governor also disclosed that significant developments concerning Ogun State’s anticipated emergence as an oil-producing state and the proposed deep-sea port would be announced before the end of the year. Speaking at the meeting, the Governor’s Senior Consultant on Political Matters, Aremo Tunde Adesanya, said the delegation was there to formally reaffirm its loyalty to the APC and its commitment to Governor Abiodun. Adesanya, who previously served as the coordinator of Otunba Gbenga Daniel in Odogbolu Local Government before his removal over his alignment with the APC mainstream, said the group had decided to identify fully with the party.
Mobilisation for 2027 Elections
Also speaking, Mr. Oladipupo Owoduni said the meeting was convened to bring together political stakeholders committed to the APC, Governor Abiodun, and all the party’s candidates. He dismissed reports suggesting that members of the group would support candidates of other political parties, insisting that their commitment remained firmly with the APC. Owoduni disclosed that the group had commenced the “Operation 5 Direct” mobilisation programme, aimed at securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abiodun in his senatorial bid, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in the governorship election, as well as APC candidates for the House of Representatives and Ogun State House of Assembly in Ogun East. The development further strengthens the APC’s political structure in Ogun East as the party intensifies mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
