National News – Former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, has formally declared his intention to seek re-election to the Senate, picking up nomination forms under the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 elections.
The move, announced Tuesday via his social media platform, positions Daniel against an emerging consensus within the party backing incumbent governor Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East ticket.
Daniel said his decision was driven by a commitment to “effective and responsive representation” for Ogun East constituents.
However, his declaration comes amid controversy over a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders reportedly endorsed Abiodun as the preferred candidate.
Tensions escalated after Daniel and his supporters were allegedly denied entry to the meeting venue, raising questions about internal party democracy.
His allies have described the process as exclusionary and inconsistent with APC guidelines on consensus-building.
From a political standpoint, this development signals an early fracture within Ogun East APC ranks.
While consensus arrangements are often used to avoid costly primaries, they can also deepen divisions when key stakeholders feel sidelined.
Daniel’s decision to proceed suggests he is prepared for a direct contest, potentially setting the stage for a high-stakes intra-party battle.
Local reactions have been mixed. Some grassroots members argue that consensus should reflect broad agreement rather than elite negotiation, while others believe a contested primary could strengthen the party by allowing voters to decide.
In Sagamu and surrounding areas, discussions among party faithful indicate growing concern about unity ahead of 2027.
The implications are significant. A divided APC in Ogun East could weaken its electoral advantage, opening opportunities for opposition parties.
It may also test the influence of both Daniel and Abiodun within the party structure, reshaping political alliances in the state.
Ultimately, how the APC manages this dispute—whether through reconciliation or competitive primaries—will determine not only the party’s cohesion but also its prospects in the next general election.
