By Omobolaji Adekunle
Senator Gbenga Daniel, the representative for Ogun East Senatorial District, has obtained his nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2027 general elections.
The move comes as a direct challenge to a recent decision by party leaders to adopt Governor Dapo Abiodun as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate.
The friction within the party escalated following a caucus meeting in Ijebu-Ode where Abiodun was endorsed as the preferred choice for the upcoming polls.
Reports initially suggested that Daniel, a former two-term governor of Ogun State, was denied entry to the meeting.
However, caucus members later clarified that the Senator was not excluded but had allegedly refused to comply with the established entry protocols for the session.
Defying the consensus arrangement, Senator Daniel announced on Tuesday that he is moving forward with his bid to retain his seat in the Red Chamber.
“Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate, continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District,” Daniel stated via his social media platforms.
Despite the apparent tension, the Ogun State chapter of the APC has dismissed claims of a burgeoning crisis.
Appearing on a current affairs program on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, the State Publicity Secretary, Olufemi Nuberu, characterized reports of a rift as unfounded.
Nuberu further downplayed the alleged exclusion of Senator Daniel from the strategic caucus meeting, pointing out that the Senator has not filed a formal complaint with the party’s leadership.
He maintained that the APC remains a cohesive unit capable of navigating internal political debates without fracturing.
“The strength of the party lies in its unity. We remain one indivisible entity despite ongoing political debate,” Nuberu asserted.
