As the conversation around Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election begins to take shape, one of the most significant early endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come from Ogun State. Former Governor and current Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, recently unveiled a grassroots mobilisation group dedicated to Tinubu’s second-term bid.
While endorsements in Nigerian politics are commonplace, Daniel’s support carries a unique weight, especially in Ogun East, a senatorial district that is not only strategic in numbers but also symbolically crucial in the Southwest political matrix.
Gbenga Daniel’s influence in Ogun East is rooted in more than political rhetoric. His Gateway Front Foundation (GFF), established over two decades ago, has built enduring goodwill among ordinary citizens through scholarships, community interventions, and social programs.
“In the last 25 years, we have positively impacted the lives of many citizens of Ogun State and beyond through GFF. Our interventions remain unparalleled, not only in Ogun State but across the country,” Daniel reminded his audience during the unveiling of the Renewed Hope International Market in Sagamu.
For many, Daniel is more than a politician; he is seen as a benefactor whose long-standing engagement with communities continues to yield loyalty. By aligning that grassroots machinery with Tinubu’s re-election bid, the former governor has effectively tied the President’s second-term ambition to the sentiments of everyday people in Ogun East.
Ogun East is the largest senatorial district in Ogun State, comprising Ijebu and Remo divisions, both of which have historically produced political heavyweights. It also serves as a critical swing zone in Southwest politics.
During his tenure as governor (2003–2011), Daniel consolidated his political base across these divisions, establishing projects like eight tertiary institutions and expanding infrastructure. Even out of government, he has maintained relevance, winning a Senate seat in 2023 by leveraging this deeply entrenched network.
For Tinubu, having Daniel’s machinery behind him means securing not just Ogun East but also reinforcing his grip on Ogun State—an important buffer in the Southwest as the APC eyes a smooth ride to 2027.
Otunba Daniel did not present his endorsement as mere party loyalty. Instead, he anchored it on Tinubu’s policy decisions—the removal of fuel subsidy, reforms in the foreign exchange market, and the redirection of federal revenue flows.
“Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided our country with the first-ever conscious leadership through a systematic process of rethinking the nation, redirecting our economy, and reengineering the protocols of our national engagements,” he declared.
By aligning his support with these reforms, Daniel is not just mobilising grassroots votes; he is also reframing Tinubu’s contentious economic decisions as necessary sacrifices for long-term growth.
Political analysts suggest that Daniel’s endorsement is a signal of consolidation within the APC’s Southwest bloc. Unlike other regions where Tinubu may face opposition from entrenched elites, the Southwest remains his strongest base, and endorsements like Daniel’s ensure the house stays united.
Beyond Ogun, Daniel’s network extends nationally, being a figure with deep ties in business; his support helps reinforce Tinubu’s image as a reformer with backing from both political and economic actors.
For Senator Daniel, this endorsement is also politically strategic as a central figure in President Tinubu’s political machinery in the Southwest. This not only strengthens his leverage in Ogun politics but also ensures his relevance in the national conversation.
His statement was as much about Tinubu as it was about himself: “Courage, in itself, is a virtue, and only a leader who appreciates the real essence of power can dare to confront the monumental missteps of the past and chart a new way forward.”
By Lukman Omikunle
