‘There Are Certain Lines You Don’t Cross’ — Gbenga Daniel Tells Dapo Abiodun

A political rift within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State deepened on Thursday, after former governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of crossing political boundaries amid the battle over the 2027 Ogun East senatorial ticket.

Daniel, who spoke during an interview on TVC’s Beyond The Headlines on Thursday, also challenged the governor to a live television debate over issues surrounding the growing dispute within the party.

The former governor’s comments come weeks after APC stakeholders in Ogun East endorsed Abiodun as the consensus candidate for the senatorial seat, a move Daniel has openly opposed.

Rejecting the endorsement, Daniel, who served as the governor of Ogun State, for two terms from May 29, 2003, to May 29, 2011, maintained that the party should allow an open primary process instead of imposing candidates.

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During the interview, the senator warned that political decisions being taken around the governor could damage his administration.

“Your Excellency, you are now going to be a former governor very soon. I would say, Your Excellency, you remember I came to you, and I told you pointedly that this young man who is following you is going to be the one who is going to destroy your government,” Daniel said.

He also suggested that some actions within the party had violated long-standing political norms.

“There are certain lines you don’t cross in this business. There are certain lines you don’t cross,” he stated.

Daniel further challenged Abiodun to publicly defend his position in a face-to-face televised discussion, saying the governor’s refusal to appear would send a message to party members and the public.

“This is an open invitation. And between you and I, if you don’t do that, my assumption is that he ran away. It’s an open challenge,” he said.

The senator also asked the programme anchor to arrange a joint appearance involving both politicians.

“You will have done this programme disservice if you don’t pair us. And let’s do it quickly,” he added.

The host later confirmed that the programme would formally invite Abiodun for the proposed debate and reserve a seat for the governor.