The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun State chapter has suspended former governor and current Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, over alleged anti-party activities.
Daniel, who governed Ogun State between 2003 and 2011, was suspended alongside his loyalist Kunle Folarin after accusations of misconduct and disloyalty to the party.
Party Confirms Suspension
In a statement on Tuesday, Nuberu Olufemi, spokesperson of Ogun APC, announced that the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) ratified the suspension of Daniel and Folarin following recommendations from their respective ward executives in Shagamu Local Government Area.
According to Olufemi, a disciplinary committee set up by Ward 4, Shagamu LGA, invited Senator Daniel to defend himself against allegations of anti-party misconduct. However, he failed to honour the invitation. Similarly, Folarin also ignored the invitation of the Ward 6 disciplinary committee.
Refusal to Appear Before Committee
The APC spokesperson explained that the committees gave both members adequate opportunity to defend themselves:
“They wrote to the members under investigation, inviting them to disciplinary meetings at which they were to be heard and allowed to present evidence in their defense or request pardon from the party. However, both members failed to respond in writing, failed to provide a defense, and failed to attend the hearings.”
Olufemi further alleged that both Daniel and Folarin attempted to intimidate party members, harassing those who filed petitions against them and pressuring others not to cooperate with the committees.
Indefinite Suspension Ratified
Following their non-cooperation and alleged interference, the committees recommended indefinite suspension. The APC Ogun SWC subsequently ratified the decision, emphasizing its commitment to internal discipline and constitutional order.
“The suspensions were based on the members’ failure to cooperate with the investigation and their attempts to pressure party members to withdraw petitions against them. The SWC has ratified the suspensions, demonstrating the party’s resolve to uphold discipline and integrity,” Olufemi stated.
Growing Rift in Ogun APC
The development comes amid reports of a growing political rift between Senator Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Recently, the Ogun State government marked for demolition a hotel and residence linked to Daniel, fuelling speculations of deepening tensions within the ruling party in the state.
