Senator Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State and current representative of Ogun East Senatorial District, has officially launched a political movement aimed at securing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, describing the incumbent’s leadership as Nigeria’s “first ever conscious” administration.
Speaking at the unveiling of the multimillion-naira Renewed Hope International Market in Igode, Sagamu Local Government Area, on Sunday, Daniel announced the formation of the BATOGD Movement, a platform specifically designed to mobilise grassroots support for Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.
“Let me state unequivocally that our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is sacrosanct, and our reasons are clear,” Daniel declared. “Asíwájú has provided our country with the first-ever conscious leadership through a systematic process of rethinking the nation, redirecting our economy, and reengineering our national engagements.”
The senator praised Tinubu’s administration for implementing what he termed “bold and courageous steps” that previous governments had avoided, specifically highlighting the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange market reforms as transformative policies.
Daniel acknowledged the current economic hardships facing Nigerians but defended the administration’s policies as necessary foundation-building measures. “This is not to say everything has become rosy,” he admitted, “but if we take the issue of fuel subsidy removal as an example, we can appreciate that it has, to a large extent, addressed the problem of scarcity.”
The senator also called on Nigeria’s 36 state governors to demonstrate greater accountability in utilising increased federal allocations resulting from subsidy removal. “Allocations have increased more than fourfold, and governors must give a good account of this generosity from the President,” he stated.
During the event, Daniel distributed empowerment materials, including motorcycles, deep freezers, and sewing machines to constituents across his senatorial district. He used the occasion to highlight his legislative achievements, including bills for the creation of Ijebu-Remo State and the establishment of a South-West Commission.
The former governor warned that his ongoing legislative projects, particularly the Ijebu-Remo State proposal, could face setbacks if he fails to secure re-election beyond 2027. “If someone starts a thing and cannot finish it before the end of that regime, they will say it must begin again,” he cautioned constituents.
Daniel also appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to rehabilitate the access road to Igode, noting that he had personally funded initial road construction to make the market location accessible.
The traditional ruler of Igode, Oba Jamiu Sule-Onosipe, praised both Tinubu and Daniel for the market project, describing it as the first significant federal presence in the community since its establishment.
According to Daniel, his three-decade political relationship with President Tinubu informed his decision to launch the BATOGD Movement as “an open endorsement of his leadership and political project.” He described Tinubu as “a bastion of democracy who has paid his dues and deserves the support of well-meaning Nigerians.”
The launch represents an early mobilization effort for the 2027 elections, with Daniel positioning himself as a key advocate for Tinubu’s continued presidency in the South-West region.
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.
