The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has broken its silence on the suspension of former governor and serving senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, insisting that the action was rooted in party discipline and not political vendetta.
Amid growing speculation and accusations of political power play, the party has reiterated that Senator Daniel’s suspension was carried out in line with the APC constitution and due process, rejecting claims of executive overreach.The clarification came through the party’s Director of Publicity, Mr. Nuberu Olufemi, who spoke on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, earlier this week.
“The issue between the former governor and the present governor has nothing to do with the party,” Olufemi stated. “They are suspended, not expelled, and there are opportunities to appeal that have not been exhausted.”
The suspension, which was ratified by the State Working Committee (SWC) during its meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, has stirred sharp reactions across the state and within party ranks.
Reacting to the development last week on the same programme, Daniel’s media aide, Mr. Steve Oliyide, dismissed the suspension as politically motivated, accusing incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun of orchestrating a campaign to sideline his principal from the APC.
“This so-called suspension has no basis in law or morality. It is politically motivated, and the governor is simply attempting to consolidate himself as a budding emperor in Ogun politics,” Oliyide said.
He also critalssed media outlets for reporting the suspension, arguing that there had been no formal communication or notification to Senator Daniel.
“My principal remains a full member of the APC. What we are seeing is nothing but pure witch-hunt,” he declared.
However, Olufemi countered those claims, stating that the suspended members, including Senator Daniel, were granted fair hearing and were properly notified.
“The constitution is very explicit about fair hearing. Acknowledgment copies of the invitation letters are part of the annexure with the report submitted to the state executive. They also have the right to appeal within seven days,” he explained.
Although Olufemi refrained from listing the specific offences or “anti-party activities” that led to Daniel’s suspension, he maintained that the APC constitution was clear on disciplinary measures.
“Anyone who goes against it will face sanctions,” he said, adding that the suspension is indefinite but not expulsion, pending appeal.
He emphasised that the party’s communication was issued lawfully through its official directorate.
“The statement was on the letterhead of the party and signed by the Director of Publicity. It is the party’s decision, not an individual’s,” Olufemi clarified, citing Article 16 of the APC constitution.
The suspension has intensified intra-party tensions in Ogun State and sparked debate about the state of internal democracy within the APC. Analysts say the situation could have long-term implications for the party’s cohesion, particularly as political jockeying intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party insiders remain divided. While some see the suspension as a legitimate enforcement of discipline, others view it as a veiled attempt to neutralize powerful political figures perceived to be rivals of the state executive.
