By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The Ogun East APC stakeholders’ caucus meeting on Monday turned dramatic, as stakeholders unanimously endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun for the 2027 senatorial race, even as former Governor and current Senator, representing the district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was controversially denied entry into the meeting.
The endorsement, according to a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, was announced at a crowded stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode that brought together an extensive network of party leaders, elected officials, and grassroots mobilisers across the Ogun East Senatorial District. The decision signals a major political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, held at Adeola Odutola Hall, drew members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, lawmakers, local government officials, ward executives, councillors, and youth and women leaders, underscoring what organisers described as a “broad-based consensus” within the party.
However, the gathering was overshadowed by a tense standoff outside the venue, where former governor and current senator representing the district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was reportedly barred from gaining access. Supporters at the scene chanted in solidarity as the development sparked debate within party ranks.
Addressing his supporters from outside the venue, Daniel expressed disbelief at the situation.
“We are here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting, but surprisingly, we have been barred. Let it be on record that whatever they do here today is null and void,” he said.
Inside the hall, party leaders moved the proceedings forward, describing the endorsement of Governor Abiodun as both strategic and unanimous.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, former senator Lekan Mustapha said the decision reflected shared confidence in the governor’s leadership.
“We will formally communicate this decision to the governor and constitute a team to deliver the message. He has been adopted as our consensus candidate,” Mustapha stated.
“He is a man of proven character and intellect, well-positioned to represent Ogun East at the national level.”
Also lending weight to the endorsement, Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, described the move as a defining moment for the district.
“This endorsement is historic and unanimous. It reflects our collective belief that Prince Dapo Abiodun is the right choice for the Senate,” he said.
Lawmakers and local government leaders echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the governor’s record in governance and party cohesion as key factors behind the decision.
Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo, a member of the House of Representatives, said:
“The governor has delivered peace and development across the state. We are confident he will attract greater dividends of democracy to Ogun East at the national level.”
Meanwhile, Sagamu Local Government Chairman, Afolabi Odulate, urged the governor to accept the call to serve.
“This is a collective appeal from the entire district. We believe in his leadership and capacity,” he noted.
But the endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from allies of Senator Daniel, who dismissed the exercise as lacking credibility.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, described the gathering as a staged event.
“What happened there was nothing but a jamboree and self-endorsement,” he said.
“Can you name a child in his absence? The person being endorsed wasn’t even there to receive it.”
He further questioned the legitimacy of the meeting, adding:
“This was a gathering of individuals on the government’s payroll. It cannot be taken as a true reflection of the party’s position.”
Article Daniel shut out as Ogun East APC endorses Abiodun for 2027 Senate race Live On NgGossips.
