OGUN STATE, NIGERIA — Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has publicly disclosed that he received multiple cautionary warnings from political allies and associates advising him against supporting former Governor Gbenga Daniel’s senatorial bid in the 2023 general elections. According to the governor, the prevailing advice was rooted in a singular, recurring fear: that Daniel would ultimately turn against his political benefactor once he secured the mandate.
The revelation came during a recent interaction with party faithful, where Governor Abiodun offered a rare and candid glimpse into the backroom calculations that often define Nigeria’s political landscape. He stated that the counsel he received was not merely informal gossip but a sustained campaign of persuasion from those who claimed to have experienced Daniel’s political maneuvering firsthand. Critics, he recalled, painted Daniel as an ungrateful political opportunist whose loyalty was transient and conditional.
“Many people came to me. They said, ‘Don’t support him. If you do, he will stab you in the back. He will use your platform and then abandon you,'” Abiodun recounted, his tone reflecting a mixture of reflection and vindication. “They were insistent that his history suggested a pattern of discord and disloyalty.”
Yet, despite the chorus of dissent, Governor Abiodun chose a different path. He argued that his decision was not born of naivety but of a deliberate political philosophy rooted in statesmanship and the broader interest of Ogun East Senatorial District. The governor emphasized that his support for Daniel was calculated, strategic, and ultimately beneficial for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the stability of the state.
“I am not a governor who is afraid of competition or reputation,” Abiodun stated firmly. “I look at the bigger picture. If I had listened to the naysayers, we might have lost that seat to the opposition. My support was never about personal ego; it was about ensuring that Ogun State remained firmly APC.”
Abiodun further defended his decision by contrasting the predicted outcome with the current reality. He noted that since Daniel assumed office as the Senator representing Ogun East, there has been no evidence of political betrayal or subversion against his administration. Instead, the governor pointed to a working relationship that, while not without its complexities, has contributed to the legislative progress of the state.
“In politics, you must take risks. You must trust your instincts,” he explained. “And my instinct told me that supporting Gbenga Daniel was the right thing to do for the development of our people. I am not here to make enemies; I am here to build bridges.”
The governor’s disclosure has sparked fresh debate within political circles, with some observers viewing it as a subtle warning shot to Daniel, while others interpret it as an attempt to frame the senator’s success as a personal favor requiring gratitude. Political analysts suggest that Abiodun’s decision to publicly air these past warnings could be a calculated move to reaffirm his authority and remind Daniel of the political debt owed.
For now, Senator Daniel has not issued an official response to the governor’s remarks. However, insiders within the Ogun East Senatorial District office indicate that the senator remains focused on legislative duties and constituency projects, choosing to let his performance speak for itself.
Governor Abiodun concluded his remarks with a message of political maturity, urging his supporters to move beyond transactional politics and focus on governance. “I do not regret my decision,” he said. “The past warnings were just voices of fear. I chose to lead with courage, and I will continue to do so for the good of Ogun State.”
As the 2027 political cycle begins to stir, this episode serves as a potent reminder of the fragile alliances and high-stakes calculations that drive Nigeria’s electoral democracy. Whether this public confession strengthens or strains the relationship between the two leaders remains a story for another day.
