By Lateef Ibrahim
Governor Dapo Abiodun has recounted his past political support for former governor and senator, Gbenga Daniel, amid rising tensions over the Ogun East senatorial race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his Iperu-Remo residence, where he also signalled his intention to contest for the Ogun East Senate seat.
In a statement that highlighted years of political collaboration and rivalry, the governor said he played a significant role in Daniel’s emergence as governor in 2003 and later supported his senatorial ambition in 2023.
He recalled how he stepped down his own gubernatorial ambition in 2003 after losing the PDP primaries to Daniel, adding that he subsequently rallied support within the party structure to secure Daniel’s victory.
“I handed over my structures and worked for him. I know what I did for him to become senator. These are facts,” Abiodun said.
The governor also referenced efforts he made to persuade key political figures at the time, including Prince Segun Adesegun and Senator Lekan Mustapha, to step down their senatorial ambitions in favour of Daniel.
Abiodun, however, expressed displeasure over what he described as attacks from the senator, warning that he would leave the matter to public judgment.
“If Senator Daniel believes responding with media attacks is the way to repay support, I leave it to his conscience,” he added.
The remarks come amid an emerging political contest in Ogun East, where Abiodun is reportedly enjoying backing from APC stakeholders following his adoption as a consensus candidate at a recent caucus meeting in Ijebu-Ode.
Despite the endorsement, Daniel has also purchased nomination forms, setting the stage for a high-stakes intra-party contest.
Abiodun assured party members that he would provide strong representation for Ogun East at the Senate, pledging active legislative engagement if elected.
