Governor Abiodun met with new groups at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta. He praised their choice to join the APC and work together for the party's success in Ogun East Senatorial District.
He said that political leaders with shared interests should speak with one voice, especially in an election year. Abiodun believes it is better to unite than to spread their efforts across different political parties.
The Governor raised concerns about the recent relaunch of the foundation by Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Senator for Ogun East and former governor. At this event, the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, was the special guest of honour.
Abiodun said this situation seemed to show that the former governor might not be fully part of the APC, even though he is a respected figure in Ogun State. He emphasized that his relationship with Daniel is always based on respect for the governor's office and the duties of a former governor.
"You know OGD is my leader because he was governor before me. I joined Ogun State politics way before him. Without a doubt, I was a senator-elect in the state in 1996/1997," Abiodun stated.
The Governor reflected on his political path, including when he became a senator-elect. He shared that his experiences taught him that political power is a privilege from God and should be used wisely.
"You don’t begin to act as if you are God. You don’t begin to play as if you are an emperor. God gives us power and looks at how we use it. If you utilise it very well, God will leave it with you for a long time to continue to wield it. If you abuse it, God will take it away from you and give it to somebody else," he explained.
Abiodun also mentioned the political events of 2023. He said he was advised not to support Daniel as the APC senatorial candidate because of worries that Daniel might turn against him. Still, he chose to support him out of respect for his past role as governor.
"I just decided that we should honour him because one day, I will also become a former governor," he added.
The Governor recalled a moment when Daniel seemed unsure about who would be the next governor of Ogun State, even though one of the candidates was from his party.
"Now the gloves are off. He is the same person that we heard in an audio saying he had taken someone to court," Abiodun remarked.
The Governor assured the new members of the APC that they would not regret their choice. He promised his administration would continue to promote unity and inclusion within the party.
He also said that important news about Ogun State becoming an oil-producing state and the planned deep-sea port would be shared before the year ends.
At the meeting, Aremo Tunde Adesanya, the Governor's Senior Consultant on Political Matters, said the group came to reaffirm their loyalty to the APC and Governor Abiodun. Adesanya previously coordinated Otunba Gbenga Daniel in Odogbolu Local Government before he switched to the APC.
Mr. Oladipupo Owoduni also spoke, saying the meeting aimed to unite political stakeholders who support the APC, Governor Abiodun, and all the party’s candidates. He dismissed claims that members would back other parties, insisting their loyalty is with the APC.
Owoduni revealed that the group started the “Operation 5 Direct” programme to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abiodun's senatorial bid, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in the governorship election, and APC candidates for the House of Representatives and Ogun State House of Assembly in Ogun East.
This development strengthens the APC's political base in Ogun East as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
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