The internal crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has deepened as former governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, alongside a former commissioner, Abayomi Semako Hunye, have picked nomination forms in defiance of the party’s alleged consensus arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Daniel, who currently represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, confirmed on Tuesday that he had obtained his nomination and expression of interest forms to seek re-election on the platform of the APC.
In a statement shared via his Facebook page, the former governor said his decision was driven by a commitment to sustain what he described as effective and responsive representation for his constituents.
He said, “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.”
Daniel’s move comes despite reports that leaders of the party in Ogun East had earlier adopted Governor Dapo Abiodun as the consensus candidate for the senatorial seat.
The senator, however, rejected the arrangement, alleging that he was excluded from the stakeholders’ meeting held in Ijebu Ode where the decision was reached. He described the outcome of the meeting as null and void.
Party sources said the development has heightened tension within the APC, with loyalists of both camps jostling for control of the party structure in the district.
In a related development, a former Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives in the state, Abayomi Semako Hunye, has also picked the APC governorship nomination form, further complicating the party’s internal calculations.
The action of Hunye, the immediate past Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) is seen as a direct challenge to the reported adoption of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.
Confirming his move in a brief telephone interview, Hunye simply said, “That’s a fact,” but declined to comment on whether his action amounted to defiance of the party’s position.
The APC leadership in the state had recently endorsed Adeola during a strategic caucus meeting held in Abeokuta, attended by key stakeholders, including former governors and party chieftains.
However, Hunye was absent at the meeting, a development party insiders say underscores growing divisions within the ruling party.
FOLLOW US
FOR MORE HERE
