Gbenga Daniel withdraws from senate primary, alleges violence

A former governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has withdrawn from the APC senatorial primary, alleging a plot to unleash violence on his supporters.

Daniel, who is seeking re-election to the Senate, has been embroiled in a political face-off with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun over the APC ticket for Ogun East.

The rift between both camps has intensified in recent weeks, with accusations and counter-accusations from loyalists of the two politicians.

In a statement on Sunday, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement said that Daniel directed his supporters to boycott the primary election over security concerns and alleged threats from agents of the state government.

The statement, jointly signed by the Director General of BATOGD, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd), and 34 others, alleged that suspicious movements and the presence of miscreants had heightened fears of violence ahead of the exercise.

“In the last few days, we have seen all manner of strange movements and miscreants taking positions and ready to strike our people. We have heard and seen agents of the state government threatening fire and brimstone against our supporters, and the primaries yesterday (Saturday) are a confirmation of our worst fears,” the statement said.

The group added that it could not, in good conscience, expose supporters to danger and mayhem.

“On this note, we have advised our principal, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to distance himself from the senatorial primary election.

“We also hereby advise our supporters to stay away from the venues of the senatorial party primary election of Monday, May 18, 2026, for their own safety,” the statement added.

Speaking with Daily Trust, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed that the former governor endorsed the decision to withdraw from the contest.

“Yes, because we cannot put our supporters in harm’s way. Their safety is more of our concern than the contest. If the party is ready to conduct a free and fair election and can guarantee the safety of our members, then we are game,” Oliyide said. (Daily trust)