By By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Leaders of the BATOGD Movement – a pro – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Gbenga Daniel grassroots political platform has condemned in strong terms what they described as a “stage-managed and deceptive”
endorsement of Governor Dapo Abiodun for Ogun East senatorial seat by his loyalists and appointees ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
BATOGD leaders described the endorsement exercise on Monday in Ijebu – Ode as a, an eyesore, a misuse of party structures and a betrayal of democratic norms.
Addressing journalists on Thursday at the Asoludero Court private residence of Otunba Gbenga Daniel located within the Government Reservation Area(GRA) Sagamu, the Director – General of the movement, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd) said the endorsement, was orchestrated under false pretences and packaged as a legitimate caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), only for attendees to discover it was a pre-arranged political show.
The press briefing had in attendance key leaders of the BATOGD Movement, including former Special Duty Commissioner, Akogun Kola Onadipe, Tayo Odeyemi, Fatai Sowemimo, Bankole Osisanya, Wale Adedayo, Omoba Wale Osiyemi, Otunba Korede Okunsanya among dozens of others.
Okunowo recalled that several party leaders were “baited” into attending the event, including former governor and senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who was allegedly denied access upon arrival.
“The use of the party’s name to lure respected leaders into ratifying a premeditated show is unacceptable,” he said, insisting that while individuals have the right to support preferred candidates, transparency must not be sacrificed.
Despite the criticism, BATOGD leader however praised the APC’s recent adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its consensus candidate for the 2027 presidential election, describing his leadership as “unprecedented” and expressing confidence in Nigeria’s recovery under his administration.
They also welcomed the emergence of Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the party’s consensus gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, calling it a sign of breaking long-standing political jinx.
However, the BATOGD Director – General warned that internal party tensions in Ogun East could escalate if what he termed “executive lawlessness and intolerance” persists.
He also highlighted a dramatic security incident in Ijebu Ode on April 22, where roads leading to Daniel’s residence were reportedly cordoned off by heavily armed police personnel.
He expressed shock over the deployment, describing it as excessive and unjustified, alleging that the action was based on “misleading information” purportedly supplied by the Ijebu – Ode local government authorities, who claimed a political meeting was to be held at the residence.
“We see no reason for the deployment of armored vehicles and hundreds of officers over a non-existent threat,” he stated, likening the situation to a hack back to “the dark days of military rule.”
Okunowo further alleged a pattern of political intimidation, referencing the 2023 demolition of DATKEM Plaza, a property linked to Daniel’s family, as part of a broader trend of abuse of power.
While reaffirming the movement’s commitment to peaceful political engagement, Okunowo disclosed that BATOGD would petition top security authorities to investigate the incident and ensure accountability.
He noted that the group has been conducting community assessment and empowerment tours across Ogun East since September 2025, maintaining that its activities have remained peaceful and beneficial, reaching thousands through healthcare and micro-credit initiatives.
He commended the Inspector General of Police for intervening to douse the tensions and urged security agencies to remain neutral and resist political manipulation.
Reiterating confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, the group cautioned against attempts to “ambush or stampede” the democratic process through unilateral endorsements.
The BATOGD leader concluded by announcing that their postponed community engagement in Ijebu Ode would proceed as planned, with assurances of proper notification to security agencies.
“We remain committed to democracy, fairness, and the rights of all citizens,” the statement added.
