Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has welcomed members of political groups associated with former Governor Gbenga Daniel and the late Senator Buruji Kashamu into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abiodun received the groups during a meeting at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, describing their decision to join the APC as a significant step towards strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in Ogun East Senatorial District.
The governor said politicians with shared interests should be able to work together, especially during an election year, rather than divide their efforts among different political parties.
However, Abiodun expressed concern over the recent relaunch of Senator Gbenga Daniel’s foundation, which was attended by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu as a special guest.
According to the governor, the development appeared to suggest that Daniel was operating outside the mainstream APC despite being a respected political figure in Ogun State.
Abiodun said his relationship with Daniel had always been guided by respect for the office of governor and the responsibilities attached to being a former governor.
He also recalled his political journey, saying his experiences had taught him that political power and influence were privileges that should be exercised responsibly.
Speaking on the 2023 political developments, Abiodun disclosed that he had been advised against supporting Daniel’s emergence as the APC senatorial candidate because of concerns that the former governor could eventually turn against him.
Despite the warnings, the governor said he supported Daniel because of his respect for him as a former governor and his belief that political disagreements should not erase the respect owed to former officeholders.
Abiodun assured the new APC members that they would not regret their decision to join the party, promising that his administration would continue to promote unity, inclusiveness and cohesion.
He also disclosed that major developments concerning Ogun State’s expected emergence as an oil-producing state and the proposed deep-sea port would be announced before the end of the year.
Speaking at the meeting, the governor’s Senior Consultant on Political Matters, Aremo Tunde Adesanya, said the delegation had gathered to formally reaffirm its loyalty to the APC and its commitment to Governor Abiodun.
Adesanya, who previously served as the coordinator of Gbenga Daniel in Odogbolu Local Government Area, said the group had decided to fully identify with the APC mainstream.
Another member of the group, Oladipupo Owoduni, said the meeting was organised to unite political stakeholders committed to the APC, Governor Abiodun and the party’s candidates.
He dismissed claims that members of the group would support candidates from other political parties, insisting that their loyalty remained with the APC.
Owoduni also announced the commencement of the “Operation 5 Direct” mobilisation programme, aimed at securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abiodun in his senatorial bid, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in the governorship election, as well as APC candidates contesting seats in the House of Representatives and Ogun State House of Assembly in Ogun East.
The development further strengthens the APC’s political structure in Ogun East as the party intensifies its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
