2027: Abiodun, Daniel Trade Fresh Blows Over Political Allegiance

The political disagreement between Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, Gbenga Daniel, has intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both camps trading claims over political loyalty.

Abiodun on Thursday accused Daniel of moving away from the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress (APC) through what he described as support for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu.

The governor spoke while receiving members of Daniel’s political family and the late Buruji Kashamu’s political group into the APC in Abeokuta.

According to Abiodun, he had been advised against supporting Daniel’s emergence as the APC senatorial candidate in 2023 because of concerns that the former governor could eventually oppose him.

He said he ignored the warnings because he respected Daniel as a former governor and believed political disagreements should not undermine the respect owed former occupants of the office.

“I just decided that we should honour him because one day, I will also become a former governor,” Abiodun said.

The governor also questioned Daniel’s recent political activities, particularly the relaunch of the Daniel Foundation, where Adebutu attended as special guest of honour.

Abiodun said the development appeared to indicate that Daniel was no longer operating within the APC mainstream.

“You know OGD is my leader because he was governor before me. I joined Ogun State politics way before him,” Abiodun said, referring to Daniel by his initials.

He nevertheless maintained that his relationship with Daniel had been guided by respect for the former governor’s office.

Abiodun said political power should be exercised responsibly, warning that those who abuse influence risk losing it.

“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,” he said.

The governor welcomed the political groups into the APC and urged members with shared interests to work together ahead of the 2027 elections.

He assured the new members that they would be integrated into the party and promised continued efforts to promote unity and cohesion.

Meanwhile, Daniel’s loyalists rejected the suggestion that the former governor had abandoned the APC, maintaining that his political family remained firmly aligned with him.

Abiodun also disclosed that major developments concerning Ogun’s anticipated oil-producing status 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, Tunde Adesanya, said the delegation had come to reaffirm its loyalty to the APC and commitment to Abiodun.