Former Governor of Ogun State and current senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, was reportedly denied access to an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held in Ijebu Ode on Monday.
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The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was convened as an emergency gathering of party stakeholders within the Ogun East senatorial district. However, events took an unexpected turn when Daniel alleged that he and his supporters were prevented from entering the venue.
In a viral video circulating online, the former governor was seen addressing supporters from his campaign bus, branded with the OGD/PBAT Movement. Speaking in the footage, Daniel expressed surprise at the development and questioned the legitimacy of the meeting.
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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,” he said.
He further declared that any decisions taken at the meeting should be considered invalid, given what he described as his exclusion from the process.
“Let it be said that whatever they do here today is null and void,” he added. He said that whatever it take it will be given on this state issues.
The incident has sparked reactions among party members and observers, raising concerns about internal cohesion within the APC in Ogun State. It also underscores ongoing tensions within party structures at the state and local levels.
According to details of the invitation letter issued by party leaders in Ijebu Ode, the meeting was expected to include a broad range of stakeholders. These reportedly included deputy governors, past and serving local government chairmen, councillors, as well as current and former members of both the state and National Assemblies.
Daniel’s exclusion from such a gathering has fuelled speculation about internal disagreements or factional divides within the party in the region. However, party officials have yet to issue an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Political analysts note that developments such as this could have implications for party unity, particularly as political activities gradually intensify ahead of future elections.
Attention has also turned to the growing political strain between Daniel and the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun. Party insiders say the dispute is increasingly centred on control of the Ogun East senatorial ticket, a position seen as strategically important in the state’s political structure.
Daniel is believed to be consolidating his influence in the district, relying on a long-established political network. Meanwhile, allies of the governor are said to be working to strengthen their hold on party structures across the zone. This has created a quiet but persistent contest for dominance, now playing out in public.
The exclusion from the Ijebu Ode meeting has added weight to claims that factions within the party are operating at cross purposes. Some members fear that if the situation is not managed, it could lead to parallel alignments within the APC in Ogun East.
Political analysts warn that such divisions, if left unresolved, could weaken party unity ahead of future elections. They argue that internal disagreements over candidate selection and leadership control often have lasting consequences, particularly in politically active regions like Ogun East.
Despite the growing tension, there has been no official statement from party authorities explaining why Daniel was denied entry. The silence has only deepened speculation and left room for competing interpretations of the event.
