Ogun State APC Chapter Maintains Suspension of Gbenga Daniel
The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reiterated its stance that the suspension of former governor and senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, remains in effect. The party emphasized that any engagement with Daniel as a member of the APC is invalid and holds no legal or political weight.
This position was met with swift criticism from Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, who accused the state chapter of orchestrating a scheme to exclude Daniel from the APC ahead of the 2027 Senate election in Ogun East. According to Oliyide, the actions of the state chapter are part of a broader strategy to undermine Daniel’s political influence.
Daniel and his associate, Kunle Folarin, were suspended by the Ogun State chapter on August 19 for alleged anti-party activities. In response, the APC issued a statement through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lekan Adeniran, which highlighted the party’s concern over Daniel’s continued disregard for party discipline despite his suspension.
The statement, dated October 3, 2025, and shared with journalists, was signed by the state chairman, Yemi Sanusi, and the state secretary, Tella Aderibigbe. The APC cited Article 21, subsection (vii) of its constitution, which states that a suspended member loses all rights and privileges associated with party membership. This includes the right to vote, attend meetings, and participate in party activities until the suspension is lifted.
Furthermore, the APC clarified that suspended members are not allowed to participate in any party proceedings during the disciplinary process. The party urged all government institutions, political actors, and the public to recognize that Daniel cannot act or be recognized as an APC member while his suspension is in place.
“Any dealings with Otunba Olugbenga Daniel in the capacity of a bona fide member of the APC are invalid, unrecognised, and of no effect to the party,” the statement concluded.
Allegations of Illegitimacy
Despite the APC’s position, Oliyide contested the legitimacy of the suspension. He claimed that the action was not taken by proper party organs but by individuals who fear Daniel’s growing political profile and his connection with President Bola Tinubu. Oliyide also stated that Daniel has not received any formal suspension letter, calling the alleged communication to the national leadership “a matter of conjecture.”
He questioned the involvement of the governor’s Chief Press Secretary in circulating the statement, asking, “When has the CPS to the Governor become the spokesperson for the party?” Oliyide pointed out that the statement was not signed and did not include a copy of the letter supposedly sent to the national chairman.
“This is something that should be substantiated with proof, including the purported suspension letter, which no one has seen all these months,” he said.
Oliyide further alleged that the suspension was carried out by an unknown Ward 4 executive in Sagamu Local Government — a ward where Senator Daniel does not belong. He noted that Daniel is registered in Ward 12 (Isote), Sagamu, where leaders and members have petitioned the state and national party executives to protest the “purported suspension” by the wrong ward.
“Leaders and some members of Ward 4 also wrote a protest disclaiming knowledge of any such suspension before someone just went on Facebook to announce it,” he said.
Additionally, Oliyide claimed that some members of the state executive had been pressured, even threatened, to issue the statement but refused. As a result, he suggested, the perpetrators resorted to using government machinery and operatives to carry out party assignments.