The senator representing Ogun East and former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, has rejected the endorsement of the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 senatorial election in the district.

Reacting through his media aide, Steve Oliyide, Daniel described the endorsement as deceptive, alleging that it was driven by coercion, inducement, and political desperation.

“This is the third time I am reading reports of the endorsement of Governor Abiodun for the Ogun East senatorial race. This is no longer endorsement but coercion and desperation,” Oliyide said.

He said that the repeated endorsements pointed to fear of a transparent and competitive primary election, stressing that consensus arrangements must be agreed upon by all aspirants.

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“The rule on consensus is very clear; there must be the consent of all aspirants. Why is the governor afraid of a fair contest?” he questioned.

Daniel maintained that party members should be allowed to freely choose their candidate through a credible primary process rather than what he described as imposed decisions.

Speaking during a midterm assessment tour at Obalofin Court in Ijebu Ode, the former governor reiterated his readiness to contest the APC senatorial primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I have reached the point of no return in this contest. On the day of the primary election, every APC member should go to his or her ward with their membership card and vote for the candidate of their choice,” he said.

Daniel expressed confidence in his chances, insisting that he would emerge victorious if the process is free and fair.

“In a free and fair primary, I will not only win, I will win overwhelmingly,” he added.