The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 04, Sagamu Local Government, Ogun State, has firmly rejected the National Working Committee’s (NWC) attempt to overturn the suspension of Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel, insisting that the national secretariat lacks constitutional authority to reverse their disciplinary action.
The ward executives challenged the NWC’s directive in a strongly-worded press statement, asserting that the party’s constitution vests the power to discipline party members exclusively in the “Executive Committee Concerned” at whatever level the allegations arise. According to the ward leadership, this power cannot be reviewed or reversed by the National Working Committee.
“The directive contained in the letter of the National Secretary is misplaced and has no foundation in the Party’s Constitution,” the ward statement declared. “The NWC cannot issue any directive to review, nullify, set aside, or reverse the valid suspension earlier imposed on Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel by the appropriate Party organs in Ogun State.”
The confrontation stems from a letter dated November 17, 2025, from National Secretary Sen. Surajudeen Bashiru, who reportedly sought to overturn the suspension decision. However, the Sagamu ward executives made it clear they will not be swayed by the national body’s intervention.
The ward leadership cited specific provisions of the party’s constitution to buttress their position, noting that while Article 21(5)(vii) grants the NWC the power to suspend erring members, this does not abrogate the disciplinary authority of lower executive councils at the ward, local government, state, or zonal levels.
“The exercise by any Executive Council of its disciplinary power, inclusive of the power of suspension, is subject only to appeal as outlined in Article 21.4,” the statement emphasized. “No provision of Article 21(4) subjects the decision to suspend the Senator to the overview of the National Working Committee.”
The ward executives explained that Senator Daniel’s suspension was initiated by the Ward 4 executive committee following allegations of anti-party activities. They stated that the senator failed to honor invitations to appear before an investigation panel to defend himself against the charges.
The underlying grievances against Senator Daniel trace back to the 2024 general elections, during which the ward leadership alleged he engaged in conduct that defied party directives and undermined the interests of the APC and its candidates in Ogun State. Beyond the elections, the ward claimed he also attempted to obstruct justice during the Election Petitions Tribunal proceedings through actions hostile to the party’s interests.
“These and many more are the unchallenged anti-party activities of the suspended senator,” the statement noted.
While clarifying that Senator Daniel has not been expelled from the party, the ward executives emphasized that the suspension remains valid and fully enforceable, bringing a temporary halt to his rights, privileges, and obligations within the organization.
“We therefore reaffirm that the suspension of Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel remains in full effect,” the statement concluded with finality.
The ward leadership reaffirmed its commitment to upholding discipline, fairness, and due process within the party, signaling they will not be swayed by pressure from the national secretariat.
The statement was signed by Hon. Adebayo Ismail, Chairman of APC Ward 04, and Hon. Aduroja Oluwole, Secretary of APC Ward 04, Sagamu Local Government.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
