The political rift between Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel escalated on Wednesday as armed police personnel stormed Daniel's residence, disrupting a planned meeting with his supporters. Security forces, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier, cordoned off the former governor's home at the Government Reservation Area in Ijebu-Ode, effectively halting the BATOGD Community Assessment and Review rally, which was intended to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's second term and Daniel's 2027 senatorial bid.
Background of the Conflict
The incident follows Daniel's exclusion from the All Progressives Congress Ogun East Senatorial District Stakeholders' Forum in Ijebu-Ode days earlier, where party leaders unanimously endorsed Governor Abiodun as the consensus candidate for the 2027 Senate election. The heavy police presence on Wednesday allegedly scared away supporters of BATOGD, a grassroots platform advocating for Tinubu's re-election and Daniel's return to the Senate.
Disruption of the Rally
An aide to Senator Daniel stated that security operatives blocked access to the residence and the Obanta Club, the intended venue for the rally. The programme, organized under the Gateway Front Foundation, aimed to empower constituents, with over 10,000 beneficiaries expected across the district. Distraught participants and organizers could not access the venue due to the blockade, deepening the long-running rivalry between Abiodun and Daniel for the Ogun East Senatorial seat under the APC banner.
Political Implications
The standoff underscores escalating tensions within the Ogun APC as both figures vie for influence ahead of 2027. Observers note that such disruptions could further polarize the party's base in the region, potentially affecting electoral strategies and grassroots mobilization efforts.
