Supporters of former Ogun State governor and serving Ogun East Senator, Gbenga Daniel, have called on him to stay away from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary scheduled for Monday, citing growing tension and alleged threats against party loyalists in the district.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by leaders of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement, a political group backing the senator across Ogun East Senatorial District.

The group also directed its members and supporters to boycott the primary election venues for safety reasons, warning that the current political atmosphere within the party had become increasingly hostile.

The APC had fixed May 18 for its National Assembly primaries nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Incumbent Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, is also contesting for the Ogun East senatorial ticket of the party.

In the statement jointly signed by representatives from across the senatorial zone, the BATOGD Movement said recent developments within the party no longer reflected the democratic ideals of fairness, inclusiveness and healthy political competition.

The group noted that its members had consistently worked with Daniel to strengthen the APC across Ogun East through grassroots mobilisation and community engagement.

“We have followed our principal to all the nooks and crannies of Ogun East Senatorial District, empowering the people,” the statement read.

“We are glad that the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu has been supportive in no small measure.

“However, what we have experienced in recent times is at variance with our understanding of the principles of democracy, where fair play is expected.”

The group further alleged that strange movements by suspected political thugs and acts of intimidation against supporters had heightened fears of violence ahead of the primary.

“In the last few days, we have seen all manner of strange movements and miscreants taking positions and getting ready to strike at our people.

“We have seen and heard individuals threatening fire and brimstone against our supporters,” the group alleged.

The added, “Consequently, after extensive consultations and in the overriding interest of peace, stability, and the sanctity of human lives, we have advised our Principal, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to distance himself from the Senatorial Party Primary Election.”

According to the movement, the decision to stay away from the primary became necessary to avoid exposing members and innocent residents to possible violence and unrest.

The loyalists maintained that preserving peace and protecting lives must take precedence over political ambition, insisting that no election was worth the blood of supporters.

Members of the BATOGD Movement who signed the statement include:

General (Rev’d) Olumuyiwa Okunowo (Rtd.) – Ijebu Ode

Akogun Kola Onadipe – Ijebu North East

Otunba Fatai Sowemimo – Remo North

Prince Segun Seriki – Ijebu North

Hon. John Obafemi – Remo North

Otunba Tayo Onayemi – Ijebu North East

Dr. Bankole Osisanya – Ijebu East

Alhaja Ronke Carew – Odogbolu

Rt. Hon. Remmy Hassan – Odogbolu

Rt. Hon. Oludare Kadiri (Maba) – Ijebu North

Aremo (Barr.) Babatunde Adesanya – Odogbolu

Dr. Babatunde Onadeko, FCIB – Ijebu North

Hon. Maruf Musa – Ogun Waterside

Hon. Tunde Ayanbajo – Ijebu North East

Pastor Jide Onadeko – Ijebu North

Chief Mrs. Josephine Makanjuola – Sagamu

Prince Taiwo Nodiru – Ijebu North

Prince Wale Osinyemi – Ijebu North

Mrs. Yinka Kondu – Ijebu Ode

Alhaji Yekini Adesanya – Sagamu

Hon. Deji Solaja – Ikenne

Hon. Bosun Soniyi – Remo North

Hon. Dele Osifade – Remo North

Hon. Jamiu Alabi – Sagamu

Hon. Wole Olubena – Odogbolu

Hon. Samuel Opabiyi – Ijebu North East

Hon. Tayo Otusanya – Ijebu East

Hon. Olamide Awoderu – Sagamu

Alhaja Ganiyat Busari – Ogun Waterside

Hon. Idowu Osho – Sagamu

Aare Kolade Segun-Okeowo – Sagamu

Hon. Jenriyi Osinowo – Ijebu North

Otunba (Dr.) Korede Okusanya – Ikenne

Otunba Princess Ronke Oduneye – Ijebu North

Comrade Adetayo Daniyan – Odogbolu (Channels)