Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, has broken his long-standing silence on political matters to respond to claims made by incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun, describing the governor’s account as misleading and filled with inaccuracies.
Daniel explained that his restraint over the years was out of respect for the office of the governor and in the interest of preserving the Ijebu heritage. However, he said the recent comments by Abiodun compelled him to set the record straight.
Recounting events from the 2002 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in Abeokuta, Daniel said he secured a decisive victory with over 70 percent of the votes, defeating Abiodun and other contenders despite what he described as coordinated attempts to stop him. He dismissed claims that Abiodun handed over any political structure to him, insisting instead that key support came from allies such as the late Senator Jubril Martins Kuye and other loyalists who later played significant roles in his administration.
Daniel further stated that after the primaries, while other aspirants accepted the outcome, Abiodun withdrew from the scene. He added that he still made efforts to accommodate Abiodun’s associates in his government and even gave him a role in the Olokola Free Trade Zone project.
Reflecting on the 2003 elections, Daniel described the political climate as intense, noting that former governor Ibikunle Amosun was initially an ally before their relationship later deteriorated, allegedly due to Abiodun’s involvement.
On the 2015 political developments, Daniel revealed that he supported Abiodun’s senatorial ambition despite prior disagreements and alleged actions taken against him. He claimed that Abiodun had previously worked against his own political aspirations but still received his backing. However, Abiodun eventually lost that election.
Daniel also revisited the 2019 elections, stating that Abiodun’s eventual victory as governor was narrow and came with support from key political figures, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He suggested that without such interventions, the outcome might have been different.
He recounted what he described as early signs of strained relations during Abiodun’s inauguration, including a protocol breach involving seating arrangements. According to him, tensions escalated after he reclaimed ownership of a hotel property in Abeokuta following multiple court rulings in his favour—an action that Abiodun allegedly criticized publicly.
Daniel also accused the current administration of withholding Certificates of Occupancy for his properties and overseeing the demolition of assets linked to his family, including his wife’s DATKEM Plaza in Ijebu Ode.
Addressing his move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Daniel denied claims that Abiodun influenced his decision, attributing it instead to encouragement from prominent party leaders such as Mai Mala Buni, John Oyegun, Rotimi Akeredolu, and Nasir el-Rufai.
He further cited incidents involving meetings with former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, which he claimed caused friction with Abiodun’s camp.
On his legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Daniel clarified that he does not hold Abiodun responsible but noted that he received no relief at the state High Court. He was, however, later discharged and acquitted by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the case should not have been brought against him.
Daniel concluded by saying he may provide further clarifications if necessary, emphasizing his commitment to preserving an accurate account of events for posterity.
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