The controversy surrounding the suspension of former Ogun State governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a new turn as the party insists the action was guided strictly by its constitution and not political vendetta.
Recall last week, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, appeared on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, where he dismissed the suspension as baseless and orchestrated. Oliyide described Governor Dapo Abiodun as a “budding emperor” bent on edging his principal out of the party, insisting that Daniel remained a bona fide APC member.
“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 argued.
He further faulted media houses for reporting the suspension, saying there was no official communication to that effect.
“My principal remains a full member of the APC. What we are seeing is nothing but pure witch-hunt,” he declared.
But in a rebuttal on the same programme this week, the Ogun APC’s Director of Publicity, Nuberu Olufemi, dismissed Oliyide’s claims, stressing that Daniel’s suspension followed due process. He confirmed that the State Working Committee (SWC), under chairman Yemi Sanusi, endorsed the decision during its meeting of Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
“The issue between the former governor and the present governor has nothing to do with the party. They are suspended, not expelled, and there are opportunities to appeal that have not been exhausted,” Olufemi clarified.
Olufemi insisted the matter was strictly a party affair and had nothing to do with alleged personal differences between Daniel and Abiodun. He argued that the sanction was in line with the APC constitution, dismissing talk of “power play” as a distraction.
When pressed, however, he declined to comment on Daniel’s performance as a sitting lawmaker elected on the APC platform, calling such discussions “unnecessary” in a disciplinary process. He also refused to list the specific “anti-party activities” Daniel was accused of, only stressing that “the constitution of the APC is clear. Anyone who goes against it will face sanctions.”
On the legality of his office to issue the statement, Olufemi cited Article 16 of the APC constitution which establishes directorates to manage the party’s day-to-day affairs.
“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,” he maintained.
He added that the suspended members were granted fair hearing before the action was taken.
“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 said.
Olufemi concluded by stressing that the suspension was indefinite but not an expulsion.
“Their suspension is indefinite, not an expulsion, until they appeal in the right manner. But the kind of language they are putting out makes it seem like they are aware they are wrong,” he added.
While Daniel’s camp insists he remains a full member of the APC, the exchange between Oliyide and Olufemi has deepened political tension in Ogun State.
The controversy has divided party loyalists, raising fresh questions about internal democracy, alleged executive overreach, and the future of one of the state’s most influential political figures ahead of 2027.
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