Ogun Politics on Edge: Gov. Dapo Abiodun, Gbenga Daniel told to end political tension

Convener of The Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi, has appealed to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and Senator Gbenga Daniel to resolve their disagreements for the sake of the state.

Speaking on Monday at the “Guest Forum” organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abeokuta, Showunmi also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene so that the public no longer suffers from the ongoing political dispute.

Abiodun and Daniel have been at odds since after the 2023 general elections. Their disagreement is believed to be linked to the 2027 Ogun East Senatorial District seat.

Recently, Senator Daniel accused Governor Abiodun of running a “three-man closed government” that shuts out other voices, and of blocking federal intervention projects in the state.

In response, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, denied that Daniel’s constituency projects were stopped out of malice.

According to him, the projects were halted because they were substandard and did not meet Federal Government requirements.

Showunmi expressed disappointment that the two leaders, once close friends, could not settle their differences. He advised Daniel to respect Abiodun as the state governor and party leader, and urged Abiodun to act with responsibility and reduce political tension.

He likened the situation to “three musketeers”  former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, and the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun. Showunmi said he has a soft spot for Abiodun because, unlike past governors, Abiodun has continued some of their projects.

He added that as the leader of the party in the state, Abiodun should be cautious, especially in his second term. He also criticised President Tinubu for not calling both men to order.

Showunmi appealed to all parties involved to respect constituted authority and conduct themselves according to their party’s rules so that peace can return to Ogun politics.