Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has firmly denied swirling rumours of his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid ongoing internal party tensions.
The clarification comes just days after Daniel and his loyalist, Kunle Folarin, were suspended by the Ogun State chapter of the APC over allegations of anti-party activities.
In a statement issued by the OGD Media Office on Monday, August 25, 2025, the senator dismissed the defection speculations as baseless and far from the truth, emphasizing his continued membership in the ruling party.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Gbenga Daniel is and remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a Senator and remains on the platform of the APC,” the statement read.
It further stressed that any claims linking Daniel to a potential return to the PDP—where he previously served before defecting to the APC in 2021—are unfounded, despite recent political frictions within the Ogun APC.
The suspension of Daniel and Folarin was ratified by the APC State Working Committee on August 19, 2025, following investigations by disciplinary committees in their respective wards in Sagamu Local Government Area.
The party accused the duo of gross misconduct and anti-party actions, noting that they failed to respond to invitations for a fair hearing or provide any defence.
APC State Publicity Director, Nuberu Olufemi, confirmed the indefinite suspension, stating that the decision was based on available evidence and witness testimonies after the pair's absence from the proceedings.
Daniel's media aide, Steve Oliyide, had earlier on August 20, 2025, claimed that the senator had not received any formal suspension notice, adding to the controversy.
However, the latest statement from the OGD Media Office shifts focus entirely to quashing defection rumours, portraying them as attempts to undermine his position within the APC.
A political analyst in Ogun State, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested that the rumours may stem from Daniel's vocal criticisms of certain party decisions and his independent political style, which has often put him at odds with APC leadership in the state.
“Senator Daniel has a history of navigating complex party dynamics, but his denial is a clear signal that he intends to stay and fight from within the APC,” the analyst said.
Daniel, who served as Ogun State Governor from 2003 to 2011 under the PDP before joining the APC, has been a key figure in Ogun politics. His 2021 defection was welcomed by several APC governors, including Ogun's Dapo Abiodun, as a boost to the party's strength in the Southwest.
Despite the suspension, Daniel remains a sitting senator, and his loyalty pledge could signal efforts to resolve the internal rift ahead of future elections.
The Ogun APC has yet to respond to Daniel's latest statement, but party insiders indicate that reconciliation talks may be underway to maintain unity.
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