Power, Politics and Roadblocks: Daniel Accuses Ogun Govt of Stifling Development

 Power, Politics and Roadblocks: Daniel Accuses Ogun Govt of Stifling Development

By Our Reporter

In a dramatic turn in Ogun State’s political landscape, the Senator representing Ogun-East, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has applauded the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for swiftly quelling what he described as a “baseless and theatrical” attempt to suspend him from the ruling party.

Speaking in Ijebu North Local Government Area before a massive crowd of supporters, Daniel said the NWC’s intervention was a breath of fresh air at a time when “internal order and fairness” in the party seemed under threat. The event doubled as a major milestone for his fast-growing political structure, BATOGD Movement, which formally welcomed members of the influential Ijebu North Forum alongside hundreds of new defectors.

A Suspension Born on Facebook

Daniel wasted no time addressing the “so-called suspension” circulated on Facebook by individuals he identified as allies of the Ogun State governor. He dismissed the announcement as “nothing more than political theatre” fueled by a growing intolerance for inclusive leadership.

The senator insisted that neither he nor the BATOGD Movement had engaged in anti-party conduct, describing the attempt as a ploy to silence divergent voices.

According to him, Ogun State’s governance style has shrunk into what he called a “three-man closed system”—a circle where constructive criticism is unwelcome and political independence is punished.

Road Projects Under Siege

Daniel voiced strong concerns over alleged interference by the state government in ongoing federal rehabilitation works on the Itanrin Road and General Hospital Road, projects he facilitated under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He claimed that local authorities were being pressured to obstruct the projects—an action he warned could cost Ogun State its federal allocation if work fails to progress before December 2025.

“Contractors in Abuja are beginning to avoid Ogun State,” Daniel claimed, suggesting that many now fear needless political complications. He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders to intervene before the state loses crucial development opportunities.

A Legacy Revisited

In a reflective moment, the former governor reminded the audience of his track record in office—establishing Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, expanding Olabisi Onabanjo University across multiple campuses, and embarking on widespread infrastructural development across Ogun East.

Now as senator, Daniel said he remains committed to pushing development to the grassroots through solar-powered streetlights, motorised boreholes, and his proposed bill for a Federal Medical Centre in Ijebu-Ode.

BATOGD Movement Gains Momentum

The atmosphere in Ijebu North was electrifying as political leaders, youth groups, community organisations and fresh defectors converged to express solidarity. The defection of the Ijebu North Forum was celebrated as a significant boost to Daniel’s expanding political network.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu’s administration, Daniel said no amount of “political distraction” would derail his commitment to the progress of Ogun East.

NELFund Opportunity: 100,000 Students Targeted

In a major highlight, the President of NELFund, Mr. Jim Ovia, attended the event and urged 100,000 students in Ijebu North to enrol for the initiative. He appealed to parents and guardians to help their children seize the opportunity for educational advancement.