Ogun APC crisis deepens as Gbenga Daniel locked out of caucus meeting

By Lateef Ibrahim

Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State after former governor and senator, Gbenga Daniel, was reportedly barred from attending a crucial caucus meeting in Ogun East Senatorial District.
The high-stakes meeting, held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, has now become a flashpoint in the escalating power tussle between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun over control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite arriving early for the 11 a.m. meeting, Daniel’s convoy was denied entry, with viral videos showing his supporters chanting in protest while security operatives struggled to gain access to the venue.
Addressing his supporters from his vehicle, the visibly aggrieved lawmaker dismissed the legitimacy of any outcome from the meeting held in his absence.
“We are here for our caucus meeting… they said we shouldn’t enter. Therefore, whatever they do without my presence is an exercise in futility,” he declared.
The senator’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, alleged that the meeting was dominated by loyalists of Governor Abiodun, accusing them of deliberately excluding perceived opponents.
“It’s not only OGD they bounced. Anyone not aligned with the governor was prevented from entering. Even former party leaders were threatened,” he claimed.
The incident has fueled concerns of deepening factionalisation within the Ogun APC, with insiders suggesting that the meeting may have been convened to push through a consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial seat.
As of press time, the party’s state publicity secretary, Femi Nuberu, had yet to respond to the allegations.
Observers warn that the confrontation signals a widening rift that could destabilise the APC in Ogun State, as rival camps intensify their battle for dominance ahead of 2027.