The Media Aide to Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), Mr. Steve Oliyide, has boldly declared that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s incumbency advantage will not prevent his principal from seeking re-election in 2027.
Speaking during a radio programme hosted by veteran broadcaster Dele Ayodo, Oliyide emphasised that only the constituents of Ogun East Senatorial District hold the power to determine Daniel’s political future, not gubernatorial influence.
“Neither the power of incumbency nor the position of Governor Abiodun can stop Senator Daniel. The people he has diligently served will speak for him in 2027,” Oliyide stated confidently.
According to the media aide, Senator Daniel has demonstrated remarkable productivity in his less than two years in the Senate, sponsoring 19 bills and three motions while implementing projects based on comprehensive needs assessments of his constituents.
Addressing widespread speculation about the relationship between Governor Abiodun and former Governor Daniel, Oliyide categorically dismissed suggestions of friendship between the two political figures.
He traced their strained relationship back to the 2003 PDP governorship primaries, where Daniel emerged victorious against Abiodun and 15 other aspirants.
“There is a wrong public perception that Governor Abiodun and Senator Daniel are friends. That is not true. The root of their strained relationship dates back to 2003,” Oliyide explained.
The media aide revealed that Abiodun, who finished second in the 2003 race, allegedly never recovered from the defeat. He attributed the ongoing tension to ethnic considerations within Ogun State politics.
“The bitterness arose from sentiments that OGD, an Ijebu man, should not take what was considered a Remo slot. But OGD shocked everyone by winning outright, crossing the 50% mark and avoiding a re-run, which could have favoured Abiodun,” Oliyide recalled.
He further alleged that Governor Abiodun continues to harbour resentment from that defeat and now views his current position as an opportunity for political retaliation.
Addressing recent speculation about Senator Daniel’s potential suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oliyide firmly dismissed the claims as unfounded.
He attributed the rumours to a social media post by a self-proclaimed party media director, emphasising that Daniel remains a committed and active member of the ruling party.
“Under no circumstance will anybody push him out of the APC. The Senator is fully in the party, working for the people, and focused on his legislative duties,” Oliyide affirmed, putting to rest any doubts about Daniel’s party standing.
