The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 4, Sabo, Sagamu, has insisted that the indefinite suspension of former governor and current senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, over alleged anti-party activities remains in force. The ward leadership argued on Thursday that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party lacks the authority to overturn the suspension, which was imposed by the ward executives under the APC constitution.
At a press briefing held at the ward secretariat in Sabo, Sagamu, the Secretary of Ward 4, Aduroja Oluwole, supported by Ward Chairman Adebayo Ismail and other party officials, addressed journalists regarding the NWC’s position that Daniel remains a bona fide member of the party. Oluwole said that while the NWC can suspend members, it cannot override disciplinary actions taken by executives at the ward, local government, state, or zonal levels.
He emphasised, “Whilst Article 21(5)(vii) of the Constitution also grants the National Working Committee the power to suspend erring members, that power does not in itself abrogate that of the Executive Councils, nor does it subject their decisions at any level to the review of the National Working Committee. The exercise by any Executive Council of its disciplinary power, inclusive of the power of suspension such as that made in relation to Senator Gbenga Daniel, is subject only to appeal as outlined in Article 21.4. No provision of Article 21(4) subjects the decision to suspend the Senator to the overview of the National Working Committee.”
Oluwole described the directive in a letter from the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, as “misplaced and without any foundation in the party’s constitution.” He added, “The NWC cannot issue any directive to review, nullify, set aside, or reverse the valid suspension earlier imposed on Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel by the appropriate Party organs in Ogun State. While it may be conceded that Senator Daniel is yet to be expelled from the party, the fact of suspension, which remains unchallenged in accordance with the party constitution, brings a temporary halt to his rights, privileges, and obligations in the party.”
The APC leadership in Ward 4 said Daniel’s suspension followed his alleged anti-party activities during the last general elections, including acts that undermined the party and its candidates. They also accused him of attempting to obstruct justice during election petition tribunal sittings. The party maintained that these actions, among others, justified the continuation of his suspension. “We, therefore, reaffirm that the suspension of Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel remains in full effect. We remain committed to upholding discipline, fairness, and due process within our great party,” Oluwole said.
Daniel, through his spokesperson Steve Oliyide, has repeatedly denied all allegations of anti-party behaviour. He described the suspension as politically motivated, aimed at sidelining him from contesting the Ogun East senatorial ticket in 2027. He alleged that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s hostility toward him began after he declared his interest in the senatorial race in 2022. Oliyide further noted that Daniel, while a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 elections, had mobilised support for Abiodun’s governorship bid, contributing to his narrow victory by just 19,000 votes.
The spokesperson also questioned the legality of the suspension by Ward 4, pointing out that Daniel is registered in Isote Ward 12. He asked, “How can he be suspended in a ward where he is not even registered?” He called the suspension an affront to due process and fair hearing.
The disagreement has deepened the tension between APC’s ward executives and the NWC over the limits of authority in disciplinary matters. Both sides have referenced the party constitution to justify their positions, highlighting the complex interplay of party rules and internal politics ahead of upcoming elections.
