I helped Daniel become governor, senator, says Abiodun

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has publicly asserted his significant role in the political careers of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, including Daniel's 2003 gubernatorial victory and his 2023 senatorial election. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in his Iperu Remo residence, Abiodun detailed how he had supported Daniel, even after losing the governorship ticket to him in 2003, by handing over his political structures.

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I was here when Sen Amosun became the governor, I was here when Otunba Gbenga Daniel became the governor, and I actually contested against him in 2003, and when he emerged from the primaries, I was the first to congratulate him and handed over all my structures to him.

Abiodun expressed his dismay at what he perceives as negative publicity and media attacks from Daniel, suggesting this was an unexpected and unwelcome way to reciprocate years of political assistance. He specifically mentioned his intervention in convincing other aspirants, Prince Segun Adesegun and Senator Lekan Mustapha, to step down their Senate ambitions in 2023 to allow Daniel's emergence as the party's candidate.

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I know what I did for Governor Daniel to become a senator. This is not something that I have ever said publicly, but these are facts. Prince Segun Adesegun and Sen Lekan Mustapha were the front-runners in that election.

Adding another layer to the political dynamics, Governor Abiodun also declared his intention to vie for the Ogun East Senate seat in the 2027 elections. He pledged to deliver superior representation to the district, drawing on his experience as governor. This announcement sets the stage for potential political realignments and contests within the state's political landscape.

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I know what my intervention was before the two of them agreed to step down for Otunba Daniel to eventually emerge as the party’s candidate.