The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to clear the air regarding claims that Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel had been suspended from the ruling party. The clarification follows days of controversy triggered by statements from the party’s Ogun State chapter suggesting disciplinary action against the former governor.
According to a formal communication issued by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), no official decision has been taken at the national level to suspend the senator representing Ogun East. The letter, dated November 17 and signed by the APC National Secretary, Dr. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, explained that the matter had not yet been deliberated upon by the committee responsible for such decisions.
The statement from the party’s headquarters came after legal representatives of the senator sought clarification on the issue. A law firm known as MJS Law Firm, led by Professor Yemi Oke, SAN, had earlier demanded documentary evidence confirming the alleged suspension. The lawyers reportedly gave the party leadership seven days to respond with official records supporting the claim.
In response to that inquiry, the APC national secretariat indicated that the case had not reached the stage where a disciplinary conclusion could be made. The party emphasized that due process outlined in its constitution must first be followed before any sanctions against a member could be confirmed.
Gossip News Now reports that the NWC also pointed to specific provisions in the party’s constitution requiring a proper investigation and formal deliberation before punitive measures such as suspension can be validated. Until those steps are completed, the leadership stated that the senator remains a recognised member of the APC.
Professor Oke later confirmed that the party replied before the deadline given by the legal team. According to him, the national leadership clearly affirmed that Senator Daniel continues to be a legitimate member of the ruling party while the matter undergoes proper review.
Despite the clarification from Abuja, officials within the Ogun State chapter of the APC have maintained their position that disciplinary action against Daniel remains valid. They insist that the suspension announced earlier was based on what they described as anti-party conduct during the Remo Federal Constituency by-election held in August.
Femi Nuberu, the publicity director of the Ogun APC, reiterated that the state leadership still stands by its earlier decision. He noted that the time allowed for the senator to challenge the decision had already elapsed and suggested that any further complaints would simply represent the opinions of Daniel’s supporters.
The controversy also drew reactions from several APC stakeholders in Ogun East. During a meeting held at the senator’s residence in Sagamu’s Government Reservation Area, some party leaders criticised the suspension, describing it as politically motivated.
Those leaders argued that the action may be connected to calculations ahead of the 2027 senatorial contest. They further questioned why the senator allegedly did not receive an official letter communicating the suspension, claiming that the announcement only appeared in the media.
Commentary and Analysis
The disagreement between the APC national leadership and its Ogun State chapter illustrates the internal complexities that sometimes arise within political parties. While state chapters often initiate disciplinary actions, final authority usually rests with the national leadership, which must ensure that constitutional procedures are followed.
Political analysts say the dispute also highlights how party politics in Nigeria can become intertwined with future electoral ambitions. Allegations that the move could be linked to preparations for the 2027 elections suggest that internal rivalries may already be shaping political calculations.
At the same time, the decision by the APC’s national leadership to review the matter carefully may signal an attempt to maintain party unity while ensuring that disciplinary processes remain transparent and lawful.
For now, the situation leaves Senator Gbenga Daniel’s political status within the party officially intact, pending further deliberations by the National Working Committee.
© 2025 Gossip News Now, a division of CHIEJOS HARBIAN DIGITAL MEDIA LTD. Contact us via admin@gossipnewsnow.online
