The political career of Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, has been thrown into turmoil following allegations of betrayal against the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, was accused of directing his loyalists to vote for Bolarinwa Oluwole, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, in the August 16 by-election for the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North federal constituency. The seat became vacant after the death of Adewunmi Onanuga in January.
WhatsApp Message Exposes Allegiance Shift
Days before the poll, Daniel, who was out of the country, allegedly instructed his supporters through WhatsApp messages to “mobilise all our people” to back the PDP candidate, promising them his full support upon his return.
“Please mobilise all our people to vote the same way as before. I will support, as always — PDP,” read the message, which Daniel later deleted. When confronted by APC leaders, he claimed the text was generated by artificial intelligence.
According to insiders, this was not the first time Daniel quietly worked against the APC. He was said to have supported the PDP during the 2023 governorship election, despite publicly aligning with the ruling party.
APC Leaders Cry Betrayal
The leaked instruction sparked outrage within the Ogun APC. Party leaders described Daniel’s actions as “consistent betrayal”, warning that his dual loyalties were undermining party unity.
On August 17, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adesola Elegbeji of the APC as the winner of the by-election, with 41,237 votes against Oluwole’s 14,324 votes.
Suspension Follows Anti-Party Allegations
Two days later, on August 19, the APC suspended Daniel indefinitely, alongside one of his loyalists, Kunle Folarin, for alleged anti-party activities.
According to a statement by the party’s Ward 4 in Sagamu LGA, a disciplinary committee invited both men to defend themselves but they failed to appear or submit written defences.
“Both members failed to respond to the invitations extended to them in writing, were unable to provide a written defence, and failed to attend the disciplinary meetings at which they were to be allowed to defend themselves,” the statement read.
Feud With Governor Abiodun
Daniel’s suspension is the latest twist in his frosty relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun. The Ogun State government’s recent decision to mark Daniel’s hotel and residence for demolition has fueled speculation of a deeper rift.
Daniel, who governed Ogun State between 2003 and 2011 under the PDP, defected to the APC before winning his Senate seat in 2023. His latest action, however, has raised fresh questions about his loyalty to the ruling party.