By Elizabeth Godwin
The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended former governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel, alongside another party member, Kunle Folarin, over allegations of anti-party activities.
The party’s spokesman, Nuberu Olufemi, announced the suspension in a statement on Tuesday, saying the decision followed reports from their respective wards in Sagamu Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the suspensions were ratified by the State Working Committee (SWC) during its meeting on August 19, chaired by the state party chairman, Yemi Sanusi, with sixteen members present.
Sanusi explained that disciplinary committees were set up in Ward 4 and Ward 6 of Sagamu to investigate allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities against Daniel and Folarin respectively. He said both men were formally invited to defend themselves but ignored the invitations.
“They wrote to the members under investigation, inviting them to the disciplinary meetings at which they were to be heard and allowed to present evidence in their defense or request pardon from the party. However, 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,” Sanusi said.
The party alleged that instead of cooperating, the duo attempted to obstruct the process by intimidating members and pressuring them to withdraw petitions against them. “The suspension was to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and eliminate interference by the members under investigation,” the statement added.
The SWC said the indefinite suspensions underscore the APC’s commitment to discipline and adherence to its constitution.
However, Daniel’s camp has dismissed the move. His media aide, Steve Oliyide, told Channels Television that the senator had not been formally notified of his suspension or the alleged offences. “No letter has been sent to him,” Oliyide said.
The development has sparked debate within Ogun APC, with observers suggesting it could further deepen existing divisions in the party ahead of future elections.
