Governor Abiodun and the Politics of Stability in Ogun East Senatorial District by Olufemi Aduwo
The political developments presently unfolding within the Ogun East Senatorial District require sober reflection, honesty and historical perspective. I make these observations not as an outsider, but as someone who has maintained cordial relationships with both Gbenga Daniel (whom I respectfully call him Ẹgbọn till date) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun over many years, both during their respective tenures as governors of Ogun State and long after they left office.
I visited Otunba Daniel at his country home in Sagamu and met him on several occasions at his Lagos residence. Likewise, I visited Senator Amosun while he was governor. My relationship with both men was neither casual nor opportunistic. Indeed, I rendered substantial assistance and support to Otunba Daniel during difficult moments in his political journey after he left office, and he is fully aware of this.
There was a period during the tenure of Senator Amosun when relations between both men deteriorated severely. Otunba Daniel himself told me that he could scarcely enter Abeokuta freely due to the prevailing political hostility. His hotel in Abeokuta was sealed by the government of Senator Amosun.
Out of concern for reconciliation and political stability, I personally pleaded with Senator Amosun in his office regarding the reopening of the hotel. Senator Amosun explained his reasons and grievances at the time. Whatever disagreements existed then have now become part of history, and it is commendable that both men presently coexist within the same political platform, the All Progressives Congress.
However, present realities must also be confronted with sincerity rather than sentimentality. During the 2023 APC senatorial primary election, Otunba Daniel defeated the incumbent Senator, Olalekan Mustapha. It is difficult to deny that without the decisive support and political accommodation extended by Governor Dapo Abiodun, such a victory would have been exceedingly difficult.At the time, Senator Mustapha possessed the natural advantages of incumbency and deep roots within the party structure. Governor Abiodun nevertheless created an atmosphere of inclusion and reconciliation which ultimately enabled Otunba Daniel’s emergence.
What many party faithful found troubling thereafter were the widespread allegations that Otunba Daniel worked against the Governor’s re-election during the 2023 governorship election. Whether wholly accurate or partly exaggerated, such perceptions generated considerable resentment within sections of the APC and inevitably weakened trust amongst party stakeholders.
The recent caucus meeting held in Ijebu-Ode regarding the Ogun East Senatorial District has equally generated unnecessary controversy. From available accounts, Governor Abiodun emerged as the preferred candidate through a process conducted within established party procedures. Otunba Daniel attended the meeting accompanied by individuals who were not recognised members of the caucus. Those individuals were denied entry because they lacked the constitutional standing to participate in what was strictly an internal caucus gathering.
To subsequently suggest publicly that he himself was denied entry was, at best, economical with the truth.He decided not to participate. It was only the unauthorised individuals accompanying him who were refused admission. Such distinctions are important in political communication and public honesty.
More importantly, the APC constitution clearly recognises both consensus arrangements and direct primary elections. Therefore,if Otunba Daniel genuinely believed the process was unfair, nothing prevented him from canvassing openly for a direct primary.Yet political realities within Ogun State remain unmistakable. Many within the party leadership strongly believe that Governor Abiodun presently represents the safer, stronger and more strategic option for the Ogun East Senatorial District.
The reasons are neither sentimental nor accidental. Governor Abiodun played a significant leadership role in stabilising the internal structure of the APC and in the political negotiations that produced Senator Yayi as the party’s gubernatorial candidate. At a period capable of generating dangerous factional conflict, he chose conciliation over confrontation and party unity over personal ego.
If the issue is considered from the standpoint of political compensation and loyalty, there is a persuasive argument that the Governor deserves the senatorial ticket. If it is assessed on the basis of leadership performance, administrative stability and political maturity, the argument becomes even stronger. His administration has recorded measurable progress in infrastructure development and fiscal management.
What is deeply regrettable however, is the increasingly hostile rhetoric allegedly emanating from certain overzealous supporters of Otunba Daniel. Resorting to insults, name-calling and inflammatory attacks neither strengthens his political position nor advances democratic engagement. Politics should never descend into destructive bitterness. Every political actor possesses a history capable of public scrutiny, and mutual restraint remains essential.
Otunba Daniel has exercised his constitutional and political right by obtaining nomination forms. That right must be respected. Nevertheless, the ultimate responsibility now rests with the leadership of the APC to determine the most appropriate path forward in the broader interest of party unity, electoral stability and political continuity. The party must therefore place collective interest above individual ambition.
Governor Abiodun has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, reconciliation, and administrative discipline. Supporting him is not merely about advancing one political figure; it is about preserving internal stability and ensuring the continued progress of Ogun State under the APC.
Politics ultimately, is transient. Offices come and go, but the long-term stability and prosperity of the state must remain paramount. The wisest course for all concerned is to embrace maturity, avoid needless acrimony and allow the party leadership to take its decision without intimidation, emotional blackmail or orchestrated division.
