OGD Media Office Rebuts Abiodun’s Claims, Insists Daniel’s Political Rise Was Self-Made
The OGD Media Office has responded to what it described as claims allegedly made by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, during a private meeting in Iperu, dismissing them as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement issued on April 29, 2026, the media office said it had received numerous requests to clarify the remarks reportedly made at the closed-door gathering. It criticised the governor for raising such claims in a private setting, noting that statements lacking substance are often made where they cannot be immediately challenged.
The statement addressed two key assertions attributed to Abiodun: that he supported and collapsed his political structure in favour of Otunba Gbenga Daniel during the 2003 governorship race, and that he played a decisive role in Daniel’s emergence as senator for Ogun East in 2023.
On the 2003 governorship contest, the media office acknowledged that Abiodun participated in the PDP primaries but maintained that Otunba Gbenga Daniel won overwhelmingly, securing about 90 percent of delegate votes in what was widely regarded as a credible process. It added that Daniel later reconciled with all co-aspirants under a “no victor, no vanquished” approach, although Abiodun reportedly joined the reconciliation process later than others.
The statement also highlighted that Daniel, as governor, appointed Abiodun as the pioneer chairman of the Gateway Oil & Gas Committee, which led to the establishment of the state’s oil and gas company. However, it pointed out that Abiodun’s electoral strength was questioned following his defeat in the 2015 Ogun East senatorial election.
According to the media office, Daniel’s support was instrumental during the 2019 governorship election, particularly amid internal divisions within the APC. It said Daniel, then in the PDP, backed Abiodun in the interest of the state, mobilising his structure and publicly endorsing him before supporters and the media.
Addressing the 2023 senatorial election, the statement insisted that Daniel’s victory was based on his track record, popularity, and widespread support across Ogun East, rejecting claims that the governor influenced the outcome. It described such assertions as dismissive of the electorate’s will.
The media office further argued that by the time any alleged intervention by Abiodun occurred, the party primaries had already been concluded, leaving no room for influence. It also noted that Daniel conducted extensive grassroots campaigns across all wards and local governments in the district, while the governor was absent from those activities.
It cited an incident ahead of Daniel’s campaign flag-off in October 2022, alleging that government officials were instructed to stay away from the event despite being invited, with some civil servants reportedly sanctioned for attending.
On the issue of political structure, the statement questioned what structure Abiodun claimed to have provided, noting that the governor allegedly struggled to secure victories even in his own polling unit shortly after the presidential election. It emphasised that Daniel’s senatorial win was decisive and uncontested, with no petitions filed at the tribunal.
The media office also accused the governor of attempting to sideline Daniel politically over the past three years, claiming such efforts failed due to Daniel’s deep-rooted influence in Ogun State politics.
It concluded that Daniel’s political achievements and mandate were earned independently, urging the governor to address governance issues rather than attributing criticism to political opponents.
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