The Ogun State Government has accused Senator Gbenga Daniel of attacking the same APC consensus arrangement that secured his emergence as Ogun East senatorial candidate in 2023.
The government was responding to allegations Daniel made during his Midterm Assessment and Empowerment Tour in Ijebu Ode, where he accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of neglecting Ijebuland, frustrating federal projects, causing the state to lose the proposed Dangote Refinery, and opposing a naval base in Abigi.
In a statement on Wednesday, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy Kayode Akinmade described the claims as baseless and politically motivated. He said Daniel was benefiting from the party’s consensus process in 2023 and was now discrediting it because it no longer aligned with his ambitions ahead of 2027.
“Daniel is simply fighting the same consensus arrangement and party structure that produced him as senator in 2023,” Akinmade said. “It is shocking that someone who benefited immensely from the collective decision of the party is now demonising the same process.”
He said Governor Abiodun had persuaded other aspirants, including the incumbent senator at the time, to step down for Daniel to ensure party unity ahead of the 2023 election.
The government also defended its record in Ijebuland, saying residents appreciated ongoing infrastructure projects. It cited 29 major road projects completed in Ijebu Ode and the rehabilitation of roads abandoned by previous administrations.
Akinmade faulted Daniel’s comparison of federal allocations during his tenure with those under the current administration, saying it ignored currency depreciation. He noted that the naira traded at N150–N170 to the dollar when Daniel left office in 2011, compared to over N1,370 now.
Wike commends quality, pace of ongoing Abuja road projects
On the Dangote Refinery claim, the government said it was false and pointed to remarks by Aliko Dangote praising Ogun’s business environment during a visit to Abeokuta. It added that ongoing expansion of Dangote cement plants in Itori and Ibeshe reflected renewed investor confidence.
The government further accused Daniel of anti-party activities during the 2023 governorship election and of disregarding party structures. It said a recent APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu Ode saw him arrive with supporters and media after a collective decision had been taken.
“The party took a collective decision, but he behaves as though he is bigger than the party,” Akinmade said.
The government said Governor Abiodun remained focused on governance and project delivery across the state.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
