Supporters of former Ogun State governor and serving senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, have urged him to withdraw from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary scheduled for Monday, citing rising tension and alleged threats targeting party members in the district.
The appeal was made in a statement released on Sunday by leaders of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement, a political support group backing the senator across Ogun East.
The group also instructed its members and supporters to avoid all primary election venues, saying the current political environment within the party had become increasingly unsafe and hostile.
The APC has scheduled its National Assembly primaries for May 18 across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both Gbenga Daniel and the incumbent Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, contesting for the Ogun East senatorial ticket.
In the statement signed by representatives from different parts of the senatorial district, the BATOGD Movement alleged that recent developments within the party no longer reflect fairness, inclusiveness, and democratic competition.
The group also said its members have consistently worked with Senator Gbenga Daniel to strengthen the APC through grassroots engagement and community outreach across Ogun East.
They further claimed that unusual movements and alleged intimidation by suspected political thugs had created fear of violence ahead of the primary election.
After consultations, the group said it advised their principal, Gbenga Daniel, to stay away from the senatorial primary in order to prevent any escalation of tension or risk to lives.
They stressed that protecting lives and maintaining peace should take priority over political ambition.
