OGD Loyalists Join Mainstream APC, Back Abiodun Ahead of 2027
ISSN: 2354-4481
ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE — Loyalists and supporters previously associated with former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, have declared their support for the mainstream leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.
The political realignment was announced on Wednesday at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta during a meeting between the group, APC leaders and stakeholders from Ogun East Senatorial District, presided over by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners from Ogun East; the APC Deputy State Chairman, Hon. Dina; the senatorial chairman; members of the Governor’s Elders Council; and other party leaders.
The delegation comprised members of the political group formerly associated with the late Senator Buruji Kashamu from Ijebu North, led by Mrs. Damilola Talabi, as well as members of the OGD political family led by Hon. Aremo Tunde Adesanya and Hon. Ladi Owodunni.
Speaking at the meeting, Talabi said the decision to align with the mainstream APC was driven by the group's desire to contribute to the development of the party and Ogun State.
She said the group was ready to put previous political differences aside and work with Governor Abiodun and the APC leadership.
Also speaking, Owodunni, who facilitated the coming together of the groups, described the development as a new beginning.
He said the group had resolved to work openly for the success of the APC rather than maintain political affiliations that could create conflicting loyalties.
“We are 100 percent ready to work with the mainstream APC,” Owodunni said, adding that members had recognised what he described as the positive impact of the Abiodun administration.
The group also pledged to support APC candidates across Ogun East Senatorial District and participate actively in the party's grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Receiving the delegation, Governor Abiodun welcomed the development, describing the group's decision to join the mainstream APC structure as significant.
The governor said he considered the group important and wanted to receive its members before other groups seeking to identify with the party.
Abiodun assured the new entrants that they would be integrated into the APC's grassroots structures, while urging existing party members to accept them without bitterness.
The governor said he did not consider himself an emperor or someone who should operate above the people, describing himself instead as a loyal APC member committed to working with the people.
Abiodun further urged the group to join the wider mobilisation campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said one of his objectives was for Ogun State to record the highest margin of votes for President Tinubu among the states in the country.
The governor also reflected on his political journey and past political differences, including developments involving former Governor Gbenga Daniel, saying the latest realignment showed that political differences could be overcome when individuals were willing to pursue common objectives.
The development is expected to further reshape political alignments in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as members of political tendencies previously outside the mainstream APC structure move closer to the party's state leadership.
Background: The development comes amid ongoing efforts by political parties and major political blocs in Ogun State to strengthen their grassroots structures and build wider alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogun East Senatorial District, comprising nine local government areas, remains a key political battleground in the state.
Location: Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
By Obilo Ngozika Martina
