Sen. Daniel Still in APC, Says Aide, Faults Facebook Suspension Notice

Sen. Daniel Still in APC, Says Aide, Faults Facebook Suspension Notice

By Our Reporter

In what appears to be another twist in Ogun State’s evolving political drama, the camp of former governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), has firmly debunked reports of his suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the social media announcement as “a baseless fabrication and a political joke taken too far.”

The rebuttal came on Tuesday during a press conference held at Asoludero Court, Sagamu, where Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, addressed journalists and party stakeholders on what he termed “a mischievous attempt to misinform the public through Facebook politics.”

‘Facebook Is Not a Party Secretariat’

Oliyide dismissed the viral post that claimed the senator had been suspended by the Ogun APC, noting that the announcement, made through a Facebook account, lacked both ethical backing and procedural validity.

“It is improper to take a Facebook post seriously when there has been no official letter, no allegation, and no invitation to any disciplinary panel. Without verification from the authentic leadership of the party in the state or at the national level, such claims should be disregarded.” Oliyide said

He explained that only the state chairman or secretary of the APC has the constitutional authority to issue suspension letters, and that neither of them had communicated any disciplinary action against the senator.

According to him, “The so-called announcement did not emanate from any recognized structure of the party. It was a careless post by someone who suddenly appeared on social media as a ‘Director of Publicity.’ That is not how a ruling party operates.”

Political Undertones and 2027 Ambitions

The media aide suggested that the entire episode was politically motivated, linking it to early moves ahead of the 2027 senatorial race in Ogun East.

“Let no one be deceived; this is all connected to the politics of 2027. Otunba Daniel has done absolutely nothing wrong to warrant any disciplinary action,” Oliyide stated, hinting at growing tension among factions within the Ogun APC.

Observers say the latest controversy exposes deeper divisions within the party, as politicians jostle for influence in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle.

Echoes of 2019: When Politics Split Ogun APC

Drawing a parallel with history, Oliyide recalled how internal wrangling tore the party apart in 2019, when then-Governor Ibikunle Amosun defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

  “At that time, Otunba Daniel, who was still in the PDP, mobilized his supporters and traditional rulers to back the APC candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the request of the party’s national leadership led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” Oliyide said.

He reminded journalists that Daniel’s endorsement and mobilisation were critical to Abiodun’s narrow victory.

  “Prince Dapo Abiodun himself visited Asoludero Court to seek support. Daniel publicly endorsed him and ensured massive mobilisation across Ijebuland. Despite that, the governor’s victory margin was just about 19,000 votes, the lowest in Ogun’s history.”

Ogun-East: The Decisive Factor

According to Oliyide, it was the Ogun-East Senatorial District—Daniel’s stronghold—that delivered the APC’s 2019 triumph.

 “The APC lost in both Ogun Central and Ogun West. The victory came mainly from Ogun-East under Otunba Daniel’s coordination. It’s ironic that anyone would now attempt to undermine the same man who helped the party survive a divided election,” he asserted.

A Show of Solidarity

The press briefing was attended by several APC leaders from Ogun-East, a show of solidarity that appeared to reinforce Daniel’s continued influence in the region.

Among those present were Gen. Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd.), Akogun Kola Onadeko, Prof. Yemi Oke, Rt. Hon. Remmy Hassan, Aare Kolade Segun Okeowo, Dr. Niyi Osoba, Akogun Jamiu Alabi, Prince Akin Onalaja, Otunba Femi Davies, Hon. Wale Adedayo, Engr. Aregbe Habeeb, Hon. Yekini Adesanya, Mrs. Josephine Makanjuola, Dr. Banky Osisanya, and Hon. Taiwo Soniyi, among others.

Their presence, political analysts say, was not just a show of loyalty but a subtle message that Daniel remains a force to reckon with in Ogun politics — both within and outside the APC structure.

The Verdict

For now, the former governor’s camp insists that he remains a bona fide member of the All Progressives Congress, dismissing the alleged suspension as “a digital illusion with no basis in reality.”

“Facebook cannot suspend a senator. Only due process can,” Oliyide concluded firmly.