A former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has said his political structure was instrumental to the emergence of Governor Dapo Abiodun, declaring that the governor might not have secured the office without their backing.
As reported by PUNCH, Daniel made the assertion while speaking with journalists in Sagamu, Ogun State, as part of activities marking his 70th birthday, where he reflected on his political career and the dynamics that shaped the state’s leadership.
He explained that internal developments within the Peoples Democratic Party at the time influenced his decision to support Abiodun’s governorship bid.
“Without people like us and the grace of God, he probably wouldn’t have been governor,” Daniel said.
The remarks come amid a strained relationship between the two political figures, which has persisted since the commencement of Abiodun’s second term in office.
Abiodun had earlier expressed disappointment over the stance of some political allies whom he accused of failing to support his re-election bid.
He maintained that their backing would have ensured a more comfortable victory over the PDP candidate, Ladi Adebutu, in the 2023 governorship poll.
The governor eventually defeated Adebutu by a margin of 13,915 votes.
Despite the tension, Daniel insisted that he and his loyalists contributed significantly to Abiodun’s re-election, though he lamented what he described as inadequate recognition of such efforts.
He urged political leaders to prioritise public interest above personal considerations, adding that he had avoided unnecessary confrontations by resorting to lawful means when disputes arose.
“Our duty as leaders is to be responsive and responsible to the expectations of the people,” he said.
Looking ahead to future political developments in Ogun State, Daniel called for experienced and broad-minded leadership capable of consolidating existing gains.
“We need a mature person who understands that beyond ego, the collective interest of the state must come first,” he added.
On his defection from the PDP, the former governor maintained that his decision was guided by ideology rather than opportunism, stressing his long-standing affiliation with progressive politics, including his earlier involvement with the AD-Afenifere bloc.
He said his foray into politics was driven by a desire to reposition Ogun State for accelerated development, describing the state as underdeveloped prior to his administration.
Daniel noted that his government focused on critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education and sports to lay a foundation for growth.
He also acknowledged the influence of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, particularly in shaping his administration’s agricultural policies rooted in democratic socialism.
The senator added that he has maintained political relationships across party lines, including with President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Commenting on national issues, Daniel expressed support for Tinubu’s economic reforms, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the policy as inevitable.
“Anyone with basic economic understanding knows that subsidy is not sustainable,” he said.
He also reiterated calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralising the country’s security framework had become necessary in the face of persistent challenges such as banditry, insurgency and kidnappings.
“I believe we need state and community policing. The sooner we embrace it, the better,” he said.
Reflecting on his life at 70, Daniel expressed gratitude to God, noting that his experiences in public service had shaped his outlook.
“Despite everything, gratitude to God remains my overriding feeling,” he added.