The senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary scheduled for Monday over alleged security threats.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Daniel, who is seeking re-election, has been locked in a political face-off with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, over the APC ticket for Ogun East.
In a statement on Sunday, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement directed Daniel’s supporters to boycott the primary over alleged plans to unleash violence on them.
“In the last few days we have seen all manners of strange movements and miscreants taking positions and ready to strike down our people. We have heard and seen agents of the state government threatening fire and brimstone against our supporters, and the elections yesterday is a confirmation of our worst fears,” the statement read.
The statement was signed by the Director General of BATOGD, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (retd.), and 34 others.
The group said it could not expose its supporters to danger.
“On this note, we have advised our Principal, His Excellency, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to distance himself from the senatorial party primary elections.
“We also hereby advise our supporters to stay away from the venues of the senatorial party primary election of Monday, May 18, 2026, for their own safety,” it added.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed the withdrawal to Daily Trust.
“Yes, because we cannot put our supporters in harm’s way. Their safety is more of our concern than the contest. If the party is ready to conduct a free and fair election and can guarantee the safety of our members, then we are game,” Oliyide said.