Gbenga Daniel's Supporters Threaten Boycott of Ogun APC Senatorial Primaries

The decision by Gbenga Daniel's supporters to advise him to boycott the Ogun APC senatorial primaries is a major development in the state's political landscape. This comes as the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to hold its 2027 National Assembly primaries nationwide today.

The supporters, under the aegis of the Boa Ahmed Tinubu-Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement, issued a statement on Sunday, warning that participation in the primary could expose supporters to danger. They cited recent developments within the party that haven't met democratic expectations. The party's actions haven't aligned with what's expected in a democratic system, and that's a concern for the supporters.

Gbenga Daniel, the incumbent Ogun East senator, is seeking re-election. However, he faces a challenge from the incumbent Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who's also contesting for the APC senatorial ticket. The BATOGD Movement stated that they've followed Daniel to all parts of the Ogun East Senatorial District, empowering the people, and they're grateful for the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They don't want to see their efforts undermined by undemocratic practices.

The group alleged that recent political developments have created tension and insecurity, with strange movements and miscreants threatening to harm their supporters. They warned that the situation isn't what you'd expect in a democratic system, where fair play is the minimum expectation. The supporters won't participate in a process that's been compromised. They can't risk their safety, and they won't engage in a process that's unfair.

The APC stakeholders who signed the statement include Olumuyiwa Okunowo, Fatai Sowemimo, Remmy Hassan, Aremo Babatunde Adesanya, Babatunde Onadeko, and Ronke Carew, among others. These stakeholders are drawn from Ijebu, Remo, Ogun Waterside, and Sagamu political blocs. They're concerned about the state of the party and the implications for the upcoming elections.

The development is a result of the heightened political tensions within the Ogun APC, where control of the party structure and the Ogun East senatorial ticket has triggered a quiet rivalry between political blocs loyal to Daniel and supporters of Governor Abiodun. Despite public claims of party unity, contests over delegate influence and the forthcoming senatorial nomination have continued to deepen internal divisions within the ruling party in the state. The party's unity is at risk, and it's unclear how they'll resolve their differences.

The BATOGD Movement said in their statement, "We've seen and heard people threatening fire and brimstone against our supporters." This highlights the level of tension and insecurity in the state's political landscape. The situation is volatile, and it's essential to address the concerns of all stakeholders. The party can't afford to alienate its supporters, and it must ensure that the democratic process is upheld.

The situation in Ogun State reflects the broader political dynamics in Nigeria, where party primaries often become fiercely contested. The APC, as the ruling party, faces significant challenges in managing its internal conflicts and ensuring that its primaries are free and fair. The party won't be able to navigate these challenges easily, and it's unclear what the outcome will be.

As the APC holds its primaries today, the situation in Ogun State will be closely watched. The outcome of the primaries will have significant implications for the party's chances in the 2027 elections. The party's ability to manage its internal conflicts will be crucial in determining its success. The situation is complex, and it's difficult to predict what will happen next.

The political landscape in Ogun State is complex, with various interests and factions at play. The outcome of the APC primaries will have significant implications for the state's politics and the party's chances in the 2027 elections. As the situation continues to unfold, it's essential to monitor developments closely and ensure that the democratic process is upheld. The party's stakeholders are watching, and they're waiting to see what happens next. They're hoping that the party will emerge stronger and more united, but it's unclear if that will happen.

The role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the situation is also significant. As the president and a key figure in the APC, his influence can shape the party's dynamics and the outcome of the primaries. The BATOGD Movement's expression of gratitude for his goodwill highlights the importance of his role in the state's politics. He's a key player, and his actions will be closely watched. He won't be able to stay neutral, and he'll have to take a stance at some point.

The situation in Ogun State is a critical development in Nigeria's political landscape. The APC's ability to manage its internal conflicts and ensure a united front will be crucial in the upcoming elections. As the party holds its primaries today, the outcome will have significant implications for the state's politics and the party's chances in the 2027 elections. The party's future is at stake, and it's essential that they get it right. They can't afford to make mistakes, and they must ensure that the democratic process is upheld.

The party's stakeholders are expecting a free and fair process, and they won't tolerate anything less.