FISAYO AJIBOLA
The Media Aide to Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), Mr. Steve Oliyide, has declared that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s incumbency power cannot prevent his principal from returning to the Senate in 2027.
Speaking during a radio programme hosted by veteran broadcaster Dele Ayodo, Oliyide insisted that only the people of Ogun East Senatorial District will decide Daniel’s political fate, not gubernatorial influence.
“Neither the power of incumbency nor the position of Governor Abiodun can stop Senator Daniel. The people he has diligently served will speak for him in 2027,” Oliyide said confidently.
Daniel’s Legislative Track Record
Highlighting Daniel’s performance since assuming office, Oliyide noted that the senator has sponsored 19 bills and three motions in less than two years, while executing projects based on comprehensive needs assessments across Ogun East.
Abiodun vs Daniel: A Lingering Rivalry
Oliyide also dismissed speculations that Governor Abiodun and Senator Daniel enjoy a cordial political friendship, describing such claims as “false.”
He traced their strained relationship back to the 2003 PDP governorship primaries, where Daniel defeated Abiodun and 15 other aspirants to clinch the ticket.
“There is a wrong public perception that Governor Abiodun and Senator Daniel are friends. That is not true. The root of their strained relationship dates back to 2003,” Oliyide explained.
He recalled that Abiodun, who finished second, allegedly never recovered from the loss. According to him, the rivalry was further fuelled by ethnic sentiments within Ogun politics, with many believing that an Ijebu man (Daniel) should not take what was perceived as a Remo slot.
“OGD shocked everyone by winning outright, crossing the 50% mark and avoiding a re-run, which could have favoured Abiodun,” Oliyide recalled.
Party Loyalty and 2027 Prospects
Addressing recent rumours of Senator Daniel’s possible suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oliyide dismissed the claims as baseless, linking them to a misleading social media post.
“Under no circumstance will anybody push him out of the APC. The Senator is fully in the party, working for the people, and focused on his legislative duties,” Oliyide affirmed.
The aide emphasised that Senator Daniel remains a committed member of the ruling party and is determined to continue serving Ogun East with dedication