Political reactions have continued to trail the recent strategic meeting of the All Progressives Congress held on Wednesday at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta, the state capital, during which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was endorsed by party leaders, following the conspicuous absence of former governors Ibikunle Amosun and Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
The development sparked widespread public debate across social media platforms, particularly Facebook, where political observers, party faithful and residents expressed sharply divided opinions over the implications for Ogun State politics.
At the meeting, prominent APC leaders in the state reportedly reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu, pledging total support for his administration and future political direction.
However, the absence of major political actors quickly dominated discussions, with many interpreting it as a sign of lingering internal divisions within the party.
Observers also linked the tension to emerging succession permutations ahead of the next election cycle in Ogun East Senatorial District.
Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), the senator representing the district at the National Assembly, currently occupies the seat reportedly being eyed by the outgoing governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun.
During a rally in Abeokuta held alongside the political engagements, supporters were heard singing in support of Abiodun to contest the senate seat, even as Daniel is believed to be preparing to seek a second term.
Commentators noted the contrast in political timing between the two leaders, recalling that Daniel waited over twelve years after leaving office as governor to allow for accountability without immunity before contesting for senate, while Abiodun is widely expected to move directly to the National Assembly immediately after completing his tenure.
Online reactions reflected strong sentiments on both sides. Some commenters openly backed Daniel’s continuation in the senate.
One contributor wrote that the governor should “go home and rest after eight years,” insisting the senate position “is OGD’s choice,” while another claimed party leaders would still prefer Daniel to remain senator. Others simply declared “OGD continuity” and described him as a “listening leader.”
A respondent described the situation as “failure personification,” while another asked rhetorically, “Who will vote for you?” Some argued the decision should be left entirely to voters, stating “let election determine.”
Others rejected the suggestion that the outgoing governor should move to the senate, with one commenter calling the plan “a disaster to the people,” while another questioned the achievements being celebrated, asking whether the state had witnessed “miracles” after years in office. Another insisted leaders should first “fix our roads” rather than pursue new political offices.
Several reactions also alleged political propaganda, claiming aides were writing favourable narratives and warning that citizens, not advisers, would ultimately judge performance.
A few commenters dismissed the report entirely as “fake news,” insisting the governor was not heading to the senate.
The debate further exposed regional and political rivalries within the state.
Some contributors argued the matter extended beyond Ogun East to other zones, while others suggested certain candidates were being imposed rather than representing the people’s voice.
Beyond personalities, several reactions focused on governance performance, citing concerns over roads, electricity, schools and hospitals, and questioning the achievements being highlighted by supporters.
Also read: EDITORIAL: Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Politics of Vindictiveness Is Tearing Ogun Apart
The exchanges revived longstanding divisions among political blocs that have shaped Ogun State politics for over a decade, reinforcing concerns that unresolved alignments and ambitions could influence future electoral outcomes.
Despite the controversy, party leaders continue to emphasise unity, discipline and loyalty to President Tinubu’s reform agenda, insisting the Ogun APC remains focused on governance and electoral success.
As reactions continue to pour in, political watchers believe the unfolding situation represents an early test of internal democracy and conflict management within the Ogun APC, with implications that may extend beyond the state’s borders.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
