The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP), Ogun State Chapter, has reacted to the ongoing crisis between the former Governor of the state and the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and the incumbent, Governor Dapo Abiodun.
CUPP recently threatened to sue the Abiodun-led administration should the governor refuse to rescind his action on the demolition of Daniel’s properties—the Asoludero Court and Conference Hotel Limited and annexe located at GRA, Sagamu.
Recall that OGD and Abiodun have been at loggerheads amid the planned demolition of Gbenga Daniel’s properties, with the former accusing the latter of abusing power, with Abiodun firing back by insisting OGD should obey the law like everyone else in the state.
Speaking while addressing a press conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, CUPP’s Chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, urged both politicians to settle their beef, stressing that the group will not allow their battle to turn Ogun State into anarchy.
Cautioning Governor Dapo Abiodun against persecuting Daniel over political differences, Otunba Femi expressed surprise that the governor can even contemplate demolishing Gbenga Daniel’s properties despite the political help OGD rendered to him in the build-up to the 2019 governorship polls.
He condemned the planned demolition of the properties of the two-term governor and a senator serving in the state, stating that Governor Abiodun is only trying to weaken Daniel and hijack the Ogun East Senatorial All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket from him ahead of the 2027 election.
Soluade, who is also the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), maintained that instead of engaging in political persecution, intimidation and controversial suspensions, Abiodun should challenge Gbenga Daniel at the primary level to clinch the ticket.
“CUPP Ogun State condemns political persecution of Otunba Gbenga Daniel: A statesman must not be rubbished.
Distinguished journalists, members of the fourth estate of the realm, ladies and gentlemen of the public, today we address you with heavy hearts but with firm conviction. What is happening in Ogun State is not only an insult to democracy but also an insult to the very soul of our people.
We have observed with shock and utter disappointment the deliberate victimisation of His Excellency, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), a two-term governor of this state, a performing senator of the Federal Republic, and a statesman of unmatched service to Ogun people.
The recent action by the Ogun State Government, marking OGD’s private residence and hotel for demolition, is nothing short of political persecution and a brazen attempt to destroy the legacy of a man who has given his all to this state.
Let us be clear: this is shameful, vindictive, and a dangerous abuse of power. Ogun State is not built on envy, hatred, or pettiness. Our politics must never descend into destruction of individuals simply because of political differences.
If the target is to weaken OGD politically or hijack his senatorial ticket, why not allow the people in your own party to freely decide through primaries? Why resort to cheap blackmail, intimidation, suspension, and disgraceful acts that were so embarrassing that the APC in the state, within 24 hours, stamped the suspension? What a show of shame!
CUPP in Ogun State stands boldly to say: this attempt to rubbish OGD is an attempt to rubbish the dignity of Ogun people. We will not sit down and watch while the present administration uses the machinery of government to witch-hunt a respected elder statesman.
We therefore demand: that the Governor immediately rescind this reckless action; that Ogun people reject any form of politics of bitterness and destruction; that the dignity of our leaders be respected, regardless of party differences,” he said.
Describing Otunba Gbenga Daniel as “a leader and respected elder statesman” in Ogun State, CUPP’s Chairman wondered why the Ogun State Government would decide to witch-hunt such an important political figure.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to reject any form of political bitterness and politics of vendetta ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“Otunba Gbenga Daniel is not just a politician; he is a builder, a mentor, and a leader whose contributions to Ogun State will stand the test of time. He deserves respect, not humiliation.
Let it be known that CUPP Ogun State will stand shoulder to shoulder with OGD. We will resist every attempt to silence him, to destroy him, or to erase his legacy. Democracy is about ideas, not demolition.
The present government must understand that power is transient, but history is permanent. No governor, no matter how powerful, can rewrite the truth: OGD remains one of the finest leaders Ogun State has produced.
We say enough is enough! Ogun people will not tolerate politics of vendetta. Despite party differences, CUPP will always advocate for fairness, equity, and justice. For those God wants to destroy, He first hardens their hearts, and the repressive tendency that is the stock-in-trade of the APC ruling party in Ogun State is becoming their death knell and is giving opportunities for other political parties to excel and provide alternatives where civilization, probity, fairness, equity, and justice prevail.
Let Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration, which is at its twilight, note that CUPP will be ready to initiate legal action or join Otunba Gbenga Daniel in court if the need arises before our dear state becomes a banana republic,” he added.
