A major political crisis has erupted in the Ogun East Senatorial District of the All Progressives Congress (APC) today, Monday, April 20, 2026, as former Governor and sitting Senator Gbenga Daniel (OGD) was reportedly barred from a crucial stakeholders’ meeting.
The incident occurred at the Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, where the Ogun East APC caucus had gathered to discuss strategic decisions regarding the 2027 senatorial ticket.
The “Exercise in Futility”
Senator Daniel, who arrived at the venue as early as 10:00 a.m., was met by a blockade at the entrance. In a video that has since gone viral, the Senator is seen addressing his supporters from his vehicle after being denied entry:
- The Declaration: Daniel labeled the meeting an “exercise in futility” and “self-deceit,” arguing that any decisions made in his absence as the sitting Senator and a primary stakeholder would be null and void.
- The Stand-off: While Daniel’s security personnel engaged individuals at the gate in an attempt to gain access, his supporters were heard chanting “OGD! OGD!” in protest.
- Broader Bouncing: Media aides for the Senator claimed that it wasn’t only Daniel who was restricted; several other party members not perceived as “loyalists” of the current state administration were also allegedly turned away.
The Abiodun-Daniel Power Struggle
The blockade is the latest and most public flashpoint in the long-running friction between Senator Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun.
- Senatorial Ambition: Tension has escalated recently due to reports that Governor Abiodun, who is serving his final term, may be interested in contesting for Daniel’s Ogun East Senate seat in 2027.
- The “Suspension” Saga: The rift was already at a boiling point following a controversial attempt by the APC state leadership to ratify an “indefinite suspension” of Daniel earlier this year—a move the Senator has consistently dismissed as a “political vendetta.”
- Project Sabotage: Daniel has also recently accused the state government of using local government chairmen to issue “stop-work orders” on federal constituency projects he facilitated in the district.
A Divided House
This incident contrasts sharply with the “Unity” meetings held just yesterday in Ogun West, where leaders like Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) and Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele celebrated a consensus arrangement. The chaos in Ijebu-Ode suggests that while the West may be aligning for 2027, the East remains a battlefield of titans.
