Police hail proactive action as Daniel’s ‘Illegal Rally’ thwarted in Ijebu-Ode
—Ex-Governor Accused of Attempting to Factionalise APC, Trigger Tensions
Heavy security deployment in Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday effectively shut down what police sources described as an unlawful political gathering organised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, amid accusations that the senator was trying to carve out a parallel APC structure in Ogun East Senatorial District.
Armed police operatives barricaded the Obanta Club and cordoned off Daniel’s residence in the early hours, preventing what eyewitnesses called a “mobilised crowd” of his loyalists from assembling under the banner of BATOGD Community Assessment and Review rally. No arrests were made, but the operation drew sharp criticism from Daniel’s camp, even as party faithful loyal to the APC leadership hailed the move as necessary to avert a breakdown of law and order.
According to party insiders, Daniel – who represents Ogun East in the Senate – had scheduled the meeting without clearance from the All Progressives Congress (APC) hierarchy, in what many see as a brazen attempt to factionalise the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections. APC stalwarts in Ijebu-Ode had earlier mobilised to resist the gathering, vowing not to allow the senator to “hijack the party’s structure for personal ambition”.
“Otunba Gbenga Daniel has a history of running parallel loyalist groups, and this so-called stakeholders’ meeting was nothing but a scheme to divide the APC in Ogun East,” said a chieftain of the party who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The police acted professionally to stop a potential violent clash between his supporters and genuine APC members who are tired of his antics.”
Tensions had been simmering for days after Daniel was reportedly denied access to a legitimate APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode. His loyalists accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of wielding state security apparatus against the former governor, but government sources dismissed the claim, insisting that Daniel had been repeatedly warned against convening unauthorised assemblies that could disrupt public peace.
“No one is above the law,” a senior government official said. “The police assessment indicated that the gathering could have turned violent, especially given the mobilisation of counter-protesters from mainstream APC groups. Their duty is to protect lives and property, not to facilitate any individual’s political show of force.”
While Daniel’s supporters have condemned the police action as “an abuse of state power”, many residents of Ijebu-Ode expressed relief that bloodshed was avoided. “We saw heavily armed officers, but we also saw groups of young men gathering suspiciously near the venue before dawn,” said a shop owner who pleaded anonymity. “If the police hadn’t stepped in, it would have been chaos.”
Political observers note that Daniel, who served as governor from 2003 to 2011 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has struggled to command loyalty within the APC since his return to the fold. His repeated attempts to maintain a separate political identity – through groups like the Gateway Front Foundation and now BATOGD – have drawn suspicion from party leaders who accuse him of placing personal ambition above collective interest.
As at press time, the Ogun State Police Command had not issued an official statement, but a source close to the Commissioner’s office confirmed that the operation was “purely preventive” and that “no constitutional right was breached”. The source added that the police would not hesitate to act again if any group attempts to stage an illegal gathering under the guise of political engagement.
The crisis has further deepened the rift between Daniel and Governor Abiodun, with the battle for control of Ogun East APC now threatening to spiral into a major distraction for the party. However, pro-Abiodun forces remain confident that the governor’s firm hand will preserve unity. “One man cannot hold the party to ransom,” the APC chieftain added. “If Senator Daniel wants to be relevant, he should follow the rules like everyone else.”
