Ogun East 2027: Gbenga Daniel Rejects APC Consensus Move, Rejoins Senate Race

Former Ogun State Governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel

Ogun East 2027: Gbenga Daniel Rejects APC Consensus Move, Rejoins Senate Race

Former Ogun State Governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel, has formally obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest the Ogun East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections.

Daniel confirmed the development on Tuesday via his official X account, declaring his intention to return to the Senate and continue representing his constituents under the APC platform.

“Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate, continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District under the platform of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he wrote.

His declaration comes amid rising tension within the Ogun East APC over an alleged consensus arrangement reportedly favouring Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, as the preferred candidate for the senatorial ticket.

Reports indicate that the alleged endorsement emerged from a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders, grassroots stakeholders, and political office holders were said to have backed the governor as the consensus choice for the seat. Some party leaders, including former senator Lekan Mustapha and other stakeholders, reportedly supported the move, describing it as a collective decision reflecting unity within the district. The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, was also quoted as saying the endorsement reflected confidence in the governor’s leadership and political influence.

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However, the process has sparked controversy following allegations that Senator Daniel was prevented from attending the meeting where the consensus decision was reached. In a video shared online, Daniel expressed frustration over being denied access to the venue, describing the situation as exclusionary. “We have been here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting since 10am, but surprisingly, we have been barred. We are told that we can’t enter,” he said. His supporters have since criticised the development, arguing that it undermines internal democracy within the party.

Despite the disagreement, Daniel has now formally joined the race, rejecting any arrangement that bypasses a competitive primary election. His entry is expected to intensify competition within the APC ahead of its 2027 senatorial primaries, as aspirants position themselves for party tickets across all elective offices.

The APC timetable shows that nomination sales, screening, and primaries will hold between April and May 2026 across senatorial, governorship, House of Representatives, and presidential categories.

Political analysts say the development signals growing divisions within the Ogun APC over consensus candidacy, zoning arrangements, and control of party structures ahead of the next general elections. Gbenga Daniel, a two-term former governor and influential political actor in Ogun State, remains one of the most prominent contenders for the Ogun East Senate seat.

As preparations continue, attention is now focused on whether the party will enforce a consensus arrangement or allow a full primary election to determine its candidate.