Senator Gbenga Daniel Yet to Receive Official Suspension Notice from Ogun APC

The political atmosphere in Ogun State has been thrown into turbulence following the announcement of the suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, has clarified that the lawmaker has not received any formal notification regarding the suspension.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Oliyide stressed that no official letter had been served to Daniel, either personally or through his office, outlining the alleged offences or confirming his suspension. His remarks came shortly after the state party leadership declared both Daniel and another member, Kunle Folarin, suspended over alleged anti-party activities.

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APC’s Position on the Suspension

The suspension was announced by the Ogun APC Publicity Secretary, Nuberu Olufemi, who explained that it was intended to enable a thorough investigation into the allegations against the two party chieftains. According to Olufemi, the action followed recommendations from disciplinary committees set up at the ward level in Sagamu Local Government Area.

State Chairman of the APC, Yemi Sanusi, later issued a statement confirming that both Daniel and Folarin had been suspended indefinitely. He explained that the committees from Ward 4 and Ward 6 independently examined the allegations, reviewed petitions filed against the members, and decided on temporary suspensions pending the conclusion of their inquiries.

“Upon due consideration, the Committees suspended the members indefinitely, pending further investigation and the outcome of the Committees’ inquiry,” Sanusi stated. “Copies of the letters of indefinite suspension had been sent to the State Chairman for consideration and approval of the State Working Committee.”

Failure to Respond to Disciplinary Invitations

Sanusi further disclosed that the disciplinary panels had written to Daniel and Folarin, formally inviting them to defend themselves against allegations of misconduct and anti-party behavior. However, he alleged that neither man honored the invitation, nor did they submit any written response to the committees.

“Both members failed to respond to the invitations extended to them in writing, failed to provide a written defense, and failed to attend the disciplinary meetings at which they were to be given the opportunity to defend themselves,” Sanusi’s statement read.

The party chairman added that this lack of response left the committees with no choice but to impose indefinite suspensions, a move he said was necessary to maintain party discipline and ensure a fair investigative process.

Allegations of Intimidation

Beyond the failure to engage with the committees, Sanusi alleged that both suspended members had attempted to frustrate the inquiry by intimidating fellow party members.

“In addition to the above, the committees received notice that the members under investigation had been harassing party members and warning members against cooperating with the committees,” the statement said. “Further, the members under investigation had been using their statuses within the party to pressure party members to withdraw the petitions against them.”

The allegations suggest a deepening rift within the Ogun APC, with Daniel, a prominent figure in the state’s politics, at the center of the storm.

Daniel’s Camp Denies Suspension Notice

Reacting to the announcement, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, dismissed claims that the senator had been duly informed of any disciplinary action. He insisted that as of the time of the interview, no formal letter of suspension had been received.

Oliyide’s comments cast doubt on the legitimacy of the suspension process, raising questions about whether the party followed due process in handling such a sensitive matter. His statement also indicates that Daniel may challenge the suspension formally if it becomes necessary.

Political Implications

The suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State and influential politician within the APC, could have far-reaching implications. Daniel has been a significant force in Ogun politics, and his suspension threatens to widen internal divisions within the state chapter of the ruling party.

Some analysts suggest that the suspension may deepen existing factional disputes within the Ogun APC, particularly ahead of upcoming elections. With accusations of anti-party activities and intimidation now on record, the development may further polarize the party’s local structure.

Others believe the move may be politically motivated, pointing to Daniel’s influence and his ability to rally support within and outside the party. The lack of an official suspension notice, as claimed by Daniel’s camp, could provide the senator with grounds to challenge the decision before the party’s national leadership or even in court.

The Ogun APC’s decision to suspend two of its prominent members underscores the challenges of maintaining internal cohesion in Nigeria’s dominant political party. As the investigation continues, attention will be focused on whether Daniel and Folarin formally respond to the allegations and whether the party leadership ensures that due process is observed.

For now, the controversy remains unresolved, with Daniel insisting he has not been formally notified and the party maintaining that suspension letters have been issued. The coming weeks will determine whether this dispute escalates into a larger political crisis or is quietly resolved through internal reconciliation.

One certainty, however, is that the suspension of a figure as influential as Gbenga Daniel will reverberate beyond Ogun State, potentially shaping dynamics within the APC at the national level.