Ogun East 2027: Daniel steps down for Abiodun after Tinubu’s intervention, offer
Sources have confirmed to The Eagle Online that a former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), has stepped down for Governor Dapo Abiodun ahead of the primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ogun East Senatorial District following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who made him offers.
The Eagle Online is reporting that the primaries are ongoing as it started in the early hours of Monday (today) across the country.
The Eagle Online is also reporting that Daniel and Abiodun have been at loggerheads over who emerges as the representative of the district.
The Eagle Online recalls that Daniel had explicitly stated during a national television interview that he would obey and step aside immediately if the President personally directs him to do so for the sake of party unity.
He said: “The President is the leader of the party.
“If he calls me today and says OGD, this is the game I want to play—step down for Dapo Abiodun—of course I will.”
His comment followed the escalating friction that trailed the decision of Ogun East APC leaders and stakeholders to endorse Governor Abiodun as the “consensus candidate”.
Daniel vehemently rejected this, labelling the endorsement as “coerced” and “deceptive”, demanding a free and fair primary election instead.
He further noted that President Tinubu is fully aware of the situation but suggested that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is heavily lobbying the Presidency to favour Abiodun.
Information made available to The Eagle Online indicated that the decision for Daniel to step down was reached during a high-stakes, closed-door meeting between President Tinubu and Senator Daniel.
According to sources, Tinubu equally assured Daniel of better plans in his cabinet, if he wins his second term bid.
According to sources, permutations for Daniel’s next political office suggests a ministerial role.
However, some of his followers are angling for a higher position, saying a senator is better positioned than a minister to attract dividends of democracy to his people.
