The political battle between Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and his predecessor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has taken a dramatic turn, with the latest demolition notice on Daniel’s properties stirring speculations about the 2027 senatorial race in Ogun East.

What began as a quiet rivalry has now escalated into a bruising political confrontation. The feud burst back into the spotlight last week when some of Daniel’s prime properties were marked for demolition by the state government.

For many political observers, the issue goes beyond alleged building regulation violations; it cuts to the heart of a deepening battle over the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Ogun East in 2027.

The cold war between Abiodun and Daniel (who is popularly known as OGD) began in the build-up to the 2023 elections over the APC senatorial ticket for Ogun East. Abiodun, insiders say, had an eye on the seat for 2027, but faced the reality that unseating Daniel after a term would be no easy task.

Initially, Abiodun backed Seyi Oduntan for the ticket before shifting his support to former Senator Lekan Mustapha. Mustapha eventually withdrew from the primary following the intervention of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, clearing the path for Daniel’s emergence as the party’s candidate.

But peace never truly returned. In October 2022, Daniel defied a state APC directive, believed to have been influenced by Abiodun, that candidates should delay campaign flag-offs. Daniel launched his campaign in Sagamu, drawing heavyweights like Wale Edun, then representing presidential candidate Bola Tinubu, and former Lagos senators, Ganiu Solomon and Musiliu Obanikoro.

Despite both men winning their respective elections in 2023, cracks widened. While Daniel swept Ogun East, Abiodun lost six of the nine LGAs in the district, including his own Ikenne LGA, to the PDP’s Ladi Adebutu.

Some of the governor’s aides accused Daniel of sabotaging him, even alleging financial links with Adebutu’s camp, claims Daniel dismissed. He countered that the governor fell out with him over his support for Tinubu during the APC primaries, while Abiodun backed Yemi Osinbajo.

The state APC defended Abiodun, attacking Daniel’s integrity.

The feud, however, intensified in September 2023 when the government demolished the five-storey DATKEM Plaza in Ijebu-Ode, owned by Daniel’s wife and housing his senatorial office. Mrs. Daniel condemned the move as “executive recklessness,” while Abiodun insisted no one was above the law.

Last week’s demolition notice marked a new flashpoint. Daniel’s Sagamu residence, Asoludero Court, a hub of his political activity, and the Conference Hotel annexe were among those marked.

Daniel called it political persecution. But the governor’s media aide, Kayode Akinmade, denied any vendetta, framing it as part of a statutory land audit affecting many properties.

2027 senatorial race in the crosshairs

Multiple APC sources in Ogun East believe the demolition saga is linked to Abiodun’s determination to finally secure the senatorial seat.

Twice unlucky in the past, the governor’s senatorial ambitions date back to 1997, when he won a UNCP ticket but never served due to Gen. Sani Abacha’s death.

In 2015, running under APC, he lost to PDP’s Buruji Kashamu. Though he initially won at the tribunal, the Court of Appeal reinstated Kashamu.

In 2019, his senatorial hopes were thwarted by then-Governor Ibikunle Amosun, prompting him to aim for the governorship instead.

For 2027, Abiodun is seen as quietly building political machinery to make a third attempt. “While Daniel doesn’t have exclusive right to the position, Dapo Abiodun too shouldn’t try to unseat the incumbent crudely,” a political leader from the region told Daily Trust.

The source added that the government’s sudden action on Daniel’s properties fuels perceptions of political vendetta.

“If OGD truly violated regulations, there are established procedures. Why act now, after more than six years of this administration? The timing raises questions.”

Saturday’s by–election as a litmus test

The Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency by-election on Saturday is seen as an early test of strength between the two camps. Both men hail from the constituency, Abiodun lost it in 2023 despite incumbency, while Daniel maintains deep grassroots influence.

There are fears within APC that Daniel may quietly undermine the party in the poll. The stakes are heightened by the fact that Asoludero Court, venue for Abiodun’s 2019 endorsement, is now under threat of demolition.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun’s hand was raised here in 2019 when he was desperate to win. Is he now trying to demolish the hall to erase the history of his emergence?” asked Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide.

Oliyide dismissed talk of a 2027 agenda driving the crisis, saying, “It’s the people that will determine the fate of every politician in 2027, not OGD or Governor Abiodun.”

Akinmade, however, insisted the notices were part of a lawful development audit.

“Many other structures were similarly served. This process is not new; it even existed during OGD’s tenure,” he said, stressing that no one, including Daniel, is bigger than the state.

As 2027 draws nearer, the battle lines in Ogun East are hardening, and last week’s demolition notice may be remembered as the spark that reignited one of the state’s fiercest political rivalries. (Daily Trust)