The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has received members of the political groups associated with former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel and the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, as the party intensifies its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Dapo Abiodun received the groups on Thursday at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, where he described their decision to join the APC mainstream as a boost to the party’s political structure, particularly in Ogun East Senatorial District.
Abiodun urged political actors with shared interests to work together rather than divide their support among different political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor, however, used the occasion to express concern over the recent relaunch of the foundation of Daniel, who represents Ogun East in the Senate, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, reportedly attended as special guest of honour.
Abiodun said the development appeared to indicate that Daniel had chosen to operate outside the APC mainstream, despite his position as a former governor and influential political figure in the state.
He said his support for Daniel’s political career had been influenced by the respect he accorded the office of governor, recalling that he supported Daniel’s emergence as the APC senatorial candidate in 2023 despite warnings from some political associates.
According to Abiodun, some people had advised him against supporting Daniel over concerns that the former governor could eventually oppose his administration.
The governor said he nevertheless supported Daniel because of his belief that former governors should be respected regardless of subsequent political differences.
“I just decided that we should honour him because one day, I will also become a former governor,” Abiodun said.
Abiodun also reflected on his own political journey, saying his experiences had taught him that political power was a privilege that should be exercised responsibly.
He warned political leaders against abusing power, noting that political influence could be lost when it was not used responsibly.
The governor assured the newly aligned APC members that they would be accommodated within the party, promising to continue promoting unity and inclusiveness.
Speaking at the event, the Governor’s Senior Consultant on Political Matters, Aremo Tunde Adesanya, said the delegation had come to formally reaffirm its loyalty to the APC and support for Abiodun.
Adesanya, who previously served as coordinator of Daniel in Odogbolu Local Government, said the group had resolved to fully identify with the APC mainstream.
Another member of the group, Oladipupo Owoduni, said the meeting was aimed at consolidating the support of political stakeholders behind the APC and its candidates ahead of 2027.
Owoduni dismissed reports that members of the group would support candidates of other political parties, insisting that their allegiance remained with the APC.
He disclosed that the group had launched an “Operation 5 Direct” mobilisation programme to canvass support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abiodun in his senatorial ambition, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in the governorship race, as well as APC candidates for the House of Representatives and Ogun State House of Assembly in Ogun East.
The latest alignment is expected to strengthen the APC’s mobilisation efforts in Ogun East as political parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.
