Drama in Ogun as Gbenga Daniel Denied Entry to APC Caucus Meeting

There was mild drama on Monday morning in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, as former governor and senator, Gbenga Daniel, was denied entry into the Ogun East caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress.

The meeting, held at Adeola Odutola College, drew party stakeholders from across the Ogun East senatorial district but was overshadowed by tensions after security operatives locked the gate and prevented Daniel and his entourage from gaining access.

Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online showed party supporters chanting “OGD! OGD!” in solidarity with the former governor, while one of his aides was seen engaging individuals stationed behind the gate in an attempt to secure entry.

In another video, Daniel addressed his supporters from a branded campaign bus associated with the BAT/OGD political movement, expressing shock over the development.

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“We are here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting, but surprisingly, we have been barred. We are told that we can’t enter. Let it be said that whatever they do here today is null and void,” he said.

Further checks indicated that the notice convening the emergency stakeholders’ meeting included a broad list of party leaders and stakeholders, such as deputy governors, past and serving local government chairmen, councillors, and current as well as former members of the state and National Assembly—categories under which Daniel clearly falls.

Party insiders suggest the exclusion may be linked to deepening internal divisions within the Ogun APC, particularly in Ogun East, where competing political interests and alignments have intensified ahead of future elections.

Although no official statement has been issued by the Ogun APC leadership explaining the decision, the incident has sparked concerns about party unity and cohesion, with analysts warning that unresolved internal conflicts could weaken the party’s structure in the state.

Observers also note that Ogun politics has long been shaped by factional rivalries, and the latest development signals a possible escalation of those tensions within the ruling party.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to get a reaction from party officials were unsuccessful, while supporters of Daniel insist the move undermines internal democracy within the APC.

Drama in Ogun as Gbenga Daniel Denied Entry to APC Caucus Meeting

Allow Tinubu Complete Eight Years, Arewa Youths Caution Northern Aspirants

The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting he should complete a full eight-year tenure under Nigeria’s rotational presidency system.

In a statement issued in Kaduna, the group cautioned northern political figures against contesting the 2027 presidential election, stressing that the South must be allowed to complete its turn for the sake of national unity and fairness.

According to AYA Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, the position of the group is driven by the need to preserve national cohesion, political stability, and continuity in governance.

Respect Zoning, Preserve National Unity

The assembly emphasized that Nigeria’s zoning principle—which rotates power between the North and South—remains critical to maintaining balance in the country’s political structure.

It recalled that during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, southern politicians did not significantly challenge the North’s eight-year tenure, arguing that the same understanding should now apply to the South.

AYA warned that any attempt by northern aspirants to enter the 2027 race would be seen as a violation of fairness and equity, and could heighten regional tensions.

Economic Reforms and Policy Gains

Highlighting achievements of the current administration, the group pointed to key economic reforms which it said have improved Nigeria’s fiscal outlook.

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According to AYA, government policies have generated annual savings between ₦4 trillion and ₦7 trillion, while exchange rate harmonisation has boosted transparency and contributed to an increase in external reserves—from about $4 billion in 2023 to over $20 billion in 2025.

The group also noted a significant drop in Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio, from around 97% to below 50%, creating more room for developmental spending.

It added that these reforms have earned recognition from global institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Security and Infrastructure Improvements

On security, AYA credited intensified military operations and improved intelligence coordination for successes against insurgency and banditry, including the rescue of kidnapped victims and disruption of criminal networks.

The group also said farming activities are gradually returning in previously insecure areas, especially in northern Nigeria.

In terms of infrastructure, it highlighted ongoing investments in road and rail development, describing them as signs of the administration’s commitment to long-term growth.

Call for Continuity Ahead of 2027

AYA maintained that the reforms currently underway require time to fully materialize and warned that any interruption could reverse progress.

The group pledged its support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and urged government officials to improve communication of achievements at the grassroots level.

It concluded that allowing the President to complete an eight-year tenure is essential for sustaining reforms and ensuring political balance in Nigeria.

Allow Tinubu Complete Eight Years, Arewa Youths Caution Northern Aspirants

Shekarau, Gwarzo Dump PDP for APC in Kano Political Shake-Up

Former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move that underscores deepening political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shekarau announced his defection on Sunday at a well-attended gathering held at his residence, popularly known as Mundubawa Palace in Kano, alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a prominent PDP chieftain.

Addressing loyalists and political associates, Shekarau said the decision followed extensive consultations and careful evaluation of political developments in the state and beyond.

“We have weighed all the options and arrived at this collective resolution. Do you all agree?” he asked, prompting a unanimous endorsement from supporters present at the meeting.

The defection comes amid intensified efforts by the APC to consolidate its influence in Kano and the wider North-West region. It follows a recent visit by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who met with Shekarau and Gwarzo at the same residence in a bid to woo them back to the ruling party.

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During the visit, Yilwatda appealed for their return, describing himself as their “son” in need of guidance and political backing, while also urging their supporters to align with the APC in the interest of unity among northern stakeholders.

Shekarau had at the time acknowledged the visit as a mark of respect but maintained that consultations were ongoing, stressing that any final decision would be guided by the best interests of Kano State.

The latest move also comes on the heels of political engagements involving the Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who recently visited Shekarau, fuelling speculation over shifting alliances and strategic positioning ahead of 2027.

Political observers say Shekarau’s return to the APC is significant given his longstanding influence in Kano politics and his history within the party. A founding member of the APC and former minister, he has previously moved between major political platforms, reflecting the fluid nature of alliances in the state.

His defection, alongside that of Gwarzo, is expected to strengthen the APC’s structure in Kano while posing a setback for the PDP, which has faced internal challenges and defections in recent times.

The development highlights the early stages of 2027 election realignments, with key political actors repositioning across party lines as competition gradually builds.

Analysts believe more defections and alliances may emerge in the coming months as parties intensify consultations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Shekarau, Gwarzo Dump PDP for APC in Kano Political Shake-Up