Daniel, now criticizing same process that produced him in 2023 — Ogun Govt
Ogun State Government Responds to Senator Daniel’s Allegations
The Ogun State Government has addressed allegations made by Senator Gbenga Daniel against Governor Dapo Abiodun. Daniel, who served as Governor from 2003 to 2011, recently criticized the consensus political arrangement that enabled his nomination as the Ogun East Senatorial candidate in the 2023 elections.
In a statement, the government expressed astonishment at Daniel’s remarks, highlighting the irony that he benefited from the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus process, facilitated by Governor Abiodun, prior to the elections.
During a Midterm Assessment and Empowerment Tour in Ijebu Ode, Daniel accused Governor Abiodun of neglecting the Ijebu region, stalling federal projects he initiated, and obstructing significant investments such as the Dangote Refinery project and the establishment of a naval base in Abigi.
In response, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, labeled Daniel’s claims as politically motivated. He noted a connection between the remarks and ongoing divisions within the APC, suggesting that differing political interests may play a role as the state approaches the 2027 elections.
“Daniel is questioning the same consensus arrangement and party structure that facilitated his emergence as senator in 2023,” Akinmade stated. He recalled that Abiodun encouraged other candidates to withdraw in favor of Daniel during the 2023 senatorial contest to promote party unity.
Akinmade emphasized the developmental progress made by the Abiodun administration, specifically in infrastructure renewal and road rehabilitation in Ijebuland. He pointed out that numerous roads previously abandoned have been restored, with approximately 29 major road projects completed in Ijebu Ode alone.
The statement also contested Daniel’s comparison of federal allocations from his tenure to those of the current administration, arguing that such comparisons do not account for current economic realities, including currency depreciation.
“It is interesting that Daniel, who left office in 2011 when the dollar traded at around N150 to N170, is now comparing that period to the current situation where the exchange rate exceeds N1,370,” Akinmade noted.
Additionally, the government refuted Daniel’s claim that the Abiodun administration hindered the Dangote Refinery project, citing public endorsements of the state’s investment climate from Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote. Akinmade pointed out ongoing expansions of Dangote cement plants in Itori and Ibeshe as evidence of investor confidence in Ogun State.
Furthermore, the statement criticized Daniel’s political actions during the 2023 governorship election, which some party stakeholders perceived as detrimental to party unity. Akinmade reported concerns from APC leadership regarding Daniel’s independent conduct and insufficient consultation with party officials.
Recalling a recent APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu Ode, Akinmade remarked on the political tensions his behavior generated, questioning why Daniel, who previously supported a collective decision, now criticizes the very process that benefited him.
The Ogun State Government reaffirmed that Governor Abiodun remains focused on governance and the delivery of development projects amid ongoing political disagreements.
