APC loyalists reject Dapo Abiodun endorsement sparking senatorial ticket controversy in Ogun East Nigeria

Tensions are rising within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, and it’s not the quiet kind.

What was announced as a smooth consensus move for the 2027 Ogun East senatorial race has quickly turned into a full-blown dispute.

Supporters of Gbenga Daniel are pushing back hard against the reported endorsement of Governor Dapo Abiodun, arguing that the process lacked fairness and transparency from the start.

“Consensus” or Carefully Planned Exclusion

At the heart of the disagreement is a meeting branded as an Ogun East APC caucus gathering.

According to Daniel’s loyalists, that description doesn’t tell the full story.

Speaking under the BATOGD Movement, a group aligned with the former governor, retired General Olumuyiwa Okunowo described the event as anything but inclusive.

He claimed it was essentially a gathering of Abiodun’s supporters, cleverly packaged as an official party meeting.

Their main issue isn’t that the governor’s allies met—it’s that the meeting was presented as representing the entire party structure in the district.

Allegations of Being Shut Out

The controversy deepened with claims that several qualified party members were denied entry to the venue at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode.

Some attendees reportedly arrived with valid invitations but were turned away.

According to Okunowo, those rejected were bluntly told the event was exclusively for the governor’s camp.

For Daniel’s supporters, that moment symbolized what they see as a deliberate sidelining of their political bloc.

A Disputed Definition of Consensus

Beyond access to the meeting, the debate has shifted to a more technical question—what actually counts as a “consensus” candidate?

Figures within Daniel’s camp, including former local government chairman Tayo Onayemi and ex-commissioner Kola Onadipe, argue that the process didn’t meet legal or party standards.

In their view, consensus requires voluntary agreement from all aspirants, not a decision announced at a selective gathering.

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Their argument is simple: if even one major stakeholder disagrees, the party should revert to primaries.

Security Presence Raises Eyebrows

Adding another layer to the situation are claims of heavy security deployment around Daniel’s residence in Ijebu-Ode.

His supporters described the scene as excessive, citing the presence of armed officers and armoured vehicles.

They questioned the motive behind such a move, suggesting it could be perceived as political intimidation, even though no official explanation has been widely confirmed.

Party Leadership Pushes Back

On the other side of the divide, the APC leadership in Ogun State is standing firm.

Party spokesperson Femi Nuberu dismissed the allegations outright, insisting the meeting was properly convened and its decisions valid.

He also challenged critics to follow formal channels if they have grievances, noting that no official complaint had been submitted regarding claims that Daniel was barred from attending.

In his view, the issue is less about process and more about misunderstanding—or disagreement—with party procedures.

The Bigger Political Context

This clash reflects a broader pattern in Nigerian politics, where internal party dynamics often shape election outcomes long before voters step in.

Consensus arrangements, while designed to avoid costly primaries, frequently spark disputes—especially when influential figures feel excluded.

Ogun East, a politically significant district, is now shaping up to be another example of how internal rivalries can redefine party unity.

Impact and Consequences

If not managed carefully, this dispute could fracture party cohesion in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 elections.

Divisions between major factions may weaken grassroots mobilization and create opportunities for opposition parties.

There’s also the reputational angle. Allegations of exclusion and intimidation—whether proven or not—can affect public perception of internal democracy within the party.

On a broader scale, repeated disputes over “consensus” processes could push parties to rely more on transparent primaries, even if they come with higher costs and risks.

What’s Next?

The next phase will likely involve behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Political stakeholders may attempt to reconcile differences to avoid a prolonged crisis.

If reconciliation fails, the issue could escalate into formal complaints within party structures—or even legal challenges.

There’s also a real possibility that the party may be forced to conduct primaries if consensus proves impossible.

Meanwhile, all eyes will remain on how both camps position themselves in the months ahead.

Summary

The controversy surrounding the alleged endorsement of Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East Senate seat has exposed deep divisions within the APC.

Supporters of Gbenga Daniel argue that the process was exclusionary and failed to meet the standards of a true consensus, while party leadership insists everything was done by the book.

What started as a routine political meeting has now evolved into a test of unity, process, and power within the party.

Bulleted Takeaways

• APC in Ogun East faces internal conflict over a claimed consensus endorsement
• Supporters of Gbenga Daniel reject the process as exclusionary
• Allegations include restricted access to the meeting venue in Ijebu-Ode
• Debate centers on whether true consensus was achieved
• Reports of heavy security presence have raised additional concerns
• Party leadership maintains the process was legitimate and binding
• Dispute could impact party unity ahead of the 2027 elections
• Possible outcomes include reconciliation, formal complaints, or primary elections