Gbenga Daniel Challenges Governor Dapo Abiodun to Televised Debate Ahead of 2027 Senatorial Race
In a bold move that has intensified political tensions in Ogun State, former governor and current senator Gbenga Daniel has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to engage in a live televised debate. The challenge comes amid rising friction over the race for the Ogun East senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Beyond The Headlines on Thursday, Daniel dismissed claims that Abiodun had been declared the consensus candidate for the senatorial seat. He argued that the process leading to the governor’s endorsement lacked unanimity and transparency.
“What happened was not a consensus; it was merely an endorsement,” Daniel asserted. “For a candidate to be recognized as a consensus choice, all aspirants must agree. That did not happen here.”
Daniel’s challenge highlights the deepening rift within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State. The senator revealed that he had already secured nomination forms and completed screening for the party’s primaries, signaling his determination to contest despite mounting pressure from party stakeholders.
He also accused party leaders of sidelining him during a crucial APC caucus meeting where Abiodun was endorsed. Daniel described the exclusion as “politically improper,” given his position as the incumbent senator representing Ogun East.
“Certain lines should not be crossed in this business,” he warned, alleging that some party leaders had overstepped political boundaries. Daniel cautioned that such actions could harm Abiodun’s administration and further divide the party.
The senator’s call for a public debate is seen as an attempt to hold the governor accountable and appeal directly to voters. He urged Abiodun to join him on live television to defend their respective records and policies before Nigerians.
“I would like to sit with him in public, armed with facts and figures, and let Nigerians judge,” Daniel declared. “This is an open invitation. If he doesn’t accept, my assumption is that he’s running away.”
Daniel also claimed that economic hardship and the influence of incumbency had pressured party members into supporting Abiodun’s endorsement. He alleged that some individuals who publicly backed the governor had privately expressed reservations about the process.
The senator raised concerns about the transparency of the APC primary process in Ogun State, accusing some officials expected to remain neutral of taking sides. He urged the party’s national leadership to ensure a fair and credible primary election to prevent further divisions ahead of the 2027 polls.
Despite his unwavering stance, Daniel hinted that he would withdraw from the race if President Bola Tinubu intervened in the interest of party unity.
“The president is the leader of the party. If he asks me to step down, I will obey,” he said.
The political showdown between Daniel and Abiodun has captured the attention of Ogun State residents and political observers across Nigeria. With the 2027 elections still years away, the unfolding drama underscores the high stakes and internal conflicts within the APC as it seeks to maintain its dominance in the state.
As the debate challenge hangs in the balance, all eyes are on Governor Abiodun to see if he will accept Daniel’s invitation or opt for a different strategy in this escalating political feud.
— Reported by Nexio News
