Senator Gbenga Daniel has picked the nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to seek re-election for the Ogun East senatorial seat, disregarding an alleged consensus arrangement within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move comes days after the former Ogun State governor claimed he was shut out of an APC caucus meeting in Ijebu-Ode, a development that exposed internal frictions within the party’s local structure. Addressing supporters at the time, Daniel rejected the legitimacy of the meeting, declaring: “We are here for our Ogun east APC caucus meeting, but surprisingly, we have been barred. We are told that we can’t enter but let it be said that whatever they do here today is null and void.”
In a post on his X handle, Daniel confirmed his decision to proceed with his ambition, sharing a photo of his nomination documents. “Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate, continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District under the platform of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he wrote.
His action signals a possible breakdown of internal agreements within the Ogun APC and sets the stage for a potentially contentious primary election. The ruling party had earlier announced a mix of consensus and direct primaries as modes of candidate selection, but Daniel’s move suggests resistance from key stakeholders unwilling to уступ their ambitions.
Meanwhile, former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has also obtained APC nomination forms to contest in 2027, indicating heightened political activity across party ranks as the election cycle gathers momentum.
The APC commenced the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms on April 25, with the process scheduled to close on May 2 and submissions due by May 4. Screening of aspirants is expected to hold between May 6 and May 9, while party primaries will follow in phases, with senatorial primaries slated for May 18 and the presidential primary fixed for May 23.
The development underscores growing tensions within the APC’s internal democracy framework, particularly in states where consensus arrangements are being contested. Analysts warn that unresolved disputes could trigger factional alignments, legal battles, or weaken party cohesion ahead of the general elections.
