Dapo Abiodun’s tyranny: A dangerous power grab in Ogun State

​The purported suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel from the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not a matter of party discipline; it is a declaration of war.

This is a political hit job orchestrated by Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is using the APC state structure as a personal weapon to eliminate a perceived rival.

The pretense of “anti-party activities” is a flimsy cover for a much deeper and more sinister plot: Governor Abiodun’s desperate quest to become the APC senatorial candidate for the 2027 general election.

​The governor’s hostility towards his predecessor has been escalating for some time.

In a shockingly brazen act, a multibillion-naira property belonging to Senator Daniel’s wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, was illegally destroyed in 2023.

Just last week, Governor Abiodun moved to demolish the senator’s private residence in Sagamu, along with other properties, under the flimsy and ludicrous excuse of “suspected contraventions.”

This illegal action has, thankfully, been halted by a court of law, but it reveals the extent of the governor’s desperation and his willingness to use state power for personal vendettas.

​This power struggle is tearing the APC apart in Ogun State. Party members who identify with Senator Daniel are being hounded and ostracized, creating a climate of fear and disillusionment.

The governor’s selfish ambition is hurting the party’s cohesion and morale, threatening its prospects in the 2027 elections.

The pretense of “anti-party activities” is a flimsy cover for a much deeper and more sinister plot: Governor Abiodun’s desperate quest to become the APC senatorial candidate for the 2027 general election.

This political turmoil is particularly ill-timed, as Senator Daniel was reportedly preparing to begin his signature ward-to-ward tour across Ogun East Senatorial District – a critical feedback mechanism that allows party members to interact directly with their representative and benefit from his multibillion-naira empowerment programs.

By creating this hullabaloo, the governor seeks to disrupt this essential link between the representative and the people, all in pursuit of his personal agenda.

​This is not just a political contest; it is a dangerous display of hubris and a frightening abuse of power. It begs the question: is a political office worth this level of animosity and destruction?

As the saying goes, “all power belongs to God and he gives to men as he wishes.”

Those who cannot guarantee their existence tomorrow should remain circumspect in their inordinate quest for power. Governor Abiodun’s actions are a stark reminder of the fragility of power and the transient nature of political office.

His inordinate quest for power is not only hurting his party but also revealing a dangerous character flaw that should worry every right-thinking citizen of Ogun State.

​It is high time for President Bola Tinubu, the overall leader of the APC, and the party’s national hierarchy to intervene.

They must call Governor Dapo Abiodun to order before this political crisis totally degenerates into chaos. The future of the APC in Ogun State and the stability of the state itself are at stake.

Also read: Dapọ Abiọdun seals properties linked to Ọtunba Gbenga Daniel

This is a moment for strong and decisive leadership, not for timid silence. The suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel is a stain on the party’s integrity, and it must be addressed immediately and decisively.

John Adenekan