The political landscape in Ogun State has been rocked by a fresh controversy following the suspension of former governor and current Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The State Government has now officially broken its silence, attributing the disciplinary action to Daniel's alleged refusal to support Governor Dapo Abiodun's re-election campaign in 2023.
The Core of the Allegation: Support for PDP
In a statement that clarifies the prolonged internal rift, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Kayode Akinmade, asserted that Senator Daniel was suspended for engaging in anti-party activities. The primary accusation is that Daniel chose to back the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu, instead of the APC's incumbent, Governor Dapo Abiodun, during the 2023 polls.
Akinmade divulged that Daniel, rather than making amends with the party leadership or presenting himself before the disciplinary committee, has resorted to using the PDP to fight the APC. This is despite the fact that he holds an APC ticket as the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District. The aide emphasized that the suspension was not an act of the state government but a decision initiated by the party at Daniel's ward level, which was later ratified by the State Working Committee.
Constituency Projects and Due Process
The governor's spokesman also addressed Daniel's complaints about stop-work orders on his constituency projects. Akinmade countered that these issues arose because the Senator refused to follow due process, such as writing formal letters to the necessary agencies for approvals.
He pointed to other federal lawmakers from the state as examples to follow. "Look at Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) in Ogun West and Senator Salisu Shuaib in Ogun Central; they execute their projects, and we did not hear any noise because they followed due process," Akinmade stated. He questioned why Daniel could not do the same, implying a sense of entitlement.
The party's National Working Committee (NWC) had earlier, in a letter dated November 17, 2025, signed by its Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru, clarified that Daniel remains a bona fide member. This creates a complex situation where the national body and the state chapter seem at odds, though the suspension by the ward and state remains in effect pending his appearance before the disciplinary panel.
A Clash of Narratives and Egos
Senator Daniel, speaking at a community event in Ijebu-North on Sunday, had offered a different perspective. He claimed his suspension was a result of the governor's inability to 'tolerate inclusive governance' and declared his readiness to face the investigation panel.
Akinmade's response was scathing, dismissing Daniel's media attacks as illogical. "He is just chasing shadows, blaming everyone but himself because of his huge ego," he said. The aide painted a picture of a former governor unable to accept that he is no longer in charge, constantly seeking conflict. He contrasted the current administration's "peace and stability" with what he described as Daniel's "crisis-ridden tenure."
The aide concluded with a firm stance: "He cannot be bigger than the party that gave him a ticket for the Senate. He should sort out his issues with the party if he still has any shred of conscience or integrity. We have better things to do than to be constantly responding to his tantrums." With the window to appear before the party's disciplinary committee reportedly expired, the political future of the Ogun East Senator in the APC hangs in the balance.
