Ogun APC Crisis Deepens As Gbenga Daniel Withdraws From Senatorial Race

The senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary scheduled for Monday, citing alleged threats of violence against his supporters.

Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, is seeking re-election to the Senate but has been locked in a political battle with Governor Dapo Abiodun over the APC ticket for Ogun East Senatorial District.

The disagreement between the two camps has worsened in recent weeks, with supporters of both political leaders trading accusations over the control of party structures and the conduct of the primary.

Daniel’s withdrawal was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement.

The statement was jointly signed by the Director General of the movement, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (retd.), and 34 others.

The group directed Daniel’s supporters to stay away from the primary election, alleging that the atmosphere had become unsafe for members of his camp.

According to the statement, suspicious movements and the presence of suspected miscreants in parts of the district had heightened fears that violence could break out during the exercise.

“In the last few days we have seen all manners of strange movements and miscreants taking positions and ready to strike down our people. We have heard and seen agents of the state government threatening fire and brimstone against our supporters, and the elections yesterday is a confirmation of our worst fears,” the statement read.

‘We Cannot Expose Supporters To Danger’

The BATOGD Movement said it could not, in good conscience, ask supporters to attend a primary where their safety could not be guaranteed.

It said the decision to withdraw was taken after reviewing the situation and advising Daniel to distance himself from the exercise.

“On this note, we have advised our Principal, His Excellency, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to distance himself from the senatorial party primary elections.

“We also hereby advise our supporters to stay away from the venues of the senatorial party primary election of Monday, May 18, 2026, for their own safety,” the statement added.

The group maintained that the safety of party members and supporters should come before any political contest.

Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed that the former governor endorsed the decision to pull out of the primary.

Speaking with Daily Trust, Oliyide said Daniel’s camp would not expose its supporters to danger in the name of contesting an election.

“Yes, because we cannot put our supporters in harm’s way. Their safety is more of our concern than the contest. If the party is ready to conduct a free and fair election and can guarantee the safety of our members, then we are game,” he said.

Oliyide added that the former governor would have been ready to participate if the party had provided a credible process and adequate security for members.

Daniel’s withdrawal marks another turn in the political face-off between his camp and that of Governor Abiodun.

Both men are influential figures in Ogun APC, and the battle over the Ogun East ticket has exposed deep divisions within the ruling party in the state.

The latest development is expected to reshape the senatorial contest in Ogun East, especially as Daniel’s supporters have now been directed to boycott the primary.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Government and the APC leadership in the state had yet to respond to the allegations raised by Daniel’s camp.