By Afolabi Oyekunle.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has welcomed members of the Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) political family and the Buruji Kashamu political group into the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their decision as a significant step towards strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Abiodun received the groups at a meeting held at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, where he commended their decision to align with the APC and work together for the success of the party and its candidates across Ogun East Senatorial District.
He said political actors who share common interests should be able to speak with one voice, particularly in an election year, rather than dissipate their energy working for different political parties.
The Governor, however, expressed concern over the recent relaunch of the foundation of the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District and former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, was special guest of honour.
Abiodun said the development appeared to suggest that the former governor had chosen to operate outside the mainstream of the APC, despite his status as a respected political figure in Ogun State.
He noted that his relationship with Daniel had 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.
The Governor recalled his political journey, including his emergence as a senator-elect, saying his experiences had taught him that political influence and power were 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.
Abiodun also revisited the political developments of 2023, revealing that he had been advised against supporting Daniel’s emergence as the APC senatorial candidate because of concerns that the former governor might eventually turn against him.
Despite the warnings, he said he supported Daniel because of his respect for him as a former governor and his belief that political disagreements should not diminish the respect accorded former occupants of the office.
“I just decided that we should honour him because one day, I will also become a former governor,” he said.
The Governor further recalled an occasion at which, according to him, Daniel expressed uncertainty over who would emerge as the next governor of Ogun State despite one of the contestants being a member of his political 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.
The Governor 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.
He 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 at the meeting 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.
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.
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