By Ayomide Otitoju
The simmering rift between Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, now senator, Gbenga Daniel, has escalated into a political showdown, deepening divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although both men publicly deny any rivalry, recent events suggest a fierce contest is unfolding over the Ogun East Senatorial seat — currently held by Daniel but reportedly eyed by Abiodun once his second term ends.
The fallout between the two dates back to 2023, when the Abiodun administration demolished DATKEM Plaza, a multi-storey complex owned by Daniel’s wife in Ijebu Ode, citing planning violations. Daniel’s camp has since accused the governor of orchestrating further quit notices and contravention orders on his properties in Sagamu and Ijebu Ode, framing the actions as politically motivated attempts to weaken his grassroots influence.
Abiodun, who hails from Iperu Remo in the same senatorial district, is believed to be positioning himself for the Senate to maintain relevance beyond 2027. Daniel, however, views Ogun East as his long-held political stronghold and is determined to defend his base. The rivalry has spilled into the party structure, with Daniel recently suspended by his ward for alleged anti-party activities — a move his loyalists dismiss as persecution.
Observers say the conflict is reshaping the APC in Ogun. While Abiodun commands the machinery of state power, Daniel, a two-term governor with deep political roots in the Remo and Ijebu blocs, retains strong grassroots loyalty. Their clash is seen as a contest over legacy, succession, and political survival, setting up Ogun East as a potential flashpoint in Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
