Former Ogun State governor and serving senator for Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2026, following security concerns raised by members of his political family under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement.
The decision was announced on Sunday evening after leaders of the movement reportedly directed Daniel to stay away from the exercise over fears of possible attacks on his supporters.
In a statement jointly signed by the Director-General of the BATOGD Movement, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd), and 34 other leaders across the nine local government areas of Ogun East Senatorial District, the group cited alleged threats and rising tension ahead of the primary election.
The statement, titled “Our Ebenizeri,” alleged that individuals described as “agents of the state government” had mobilised against Daniel’s supporters and were prepared to unleash violence during the primary.
According to the group, suspicious movements and the presence of alleged miscreants in parts of the senatorial district heightened fears of unrest, prompting the call for Daniel’s withdrawal.
“We have seen all manners of strange movements and miscreants taking positions and ready to strike down our people. We do not believe, in good conscience, that we should subject our people to unnecessary danger and mayhem,” the statement read.
The movement subsequently advised all supporters of the former governor to boycott the primary election for their safety.
Daniel’s media team later confirmed the development, stating that the senator had endorsed the position of the BATOGD Movement and agreed to withdraw from the contest.
The withdrawal marks a major twist in the Ogun East APC senatorial race and could reshape the political dynamics within the ruling party in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
