The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress is facing renewed internal tension over allegations of political imposition and controversial consensus arrangements, with stakeholders warning that the development could destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party leaders and grassroots actors across the state have expressed growing concern over what they describe as a pattern of endorsements allegedly tilted in favour of loyalists of Governor Dapo Abiodun, a situation they say is weakening internal consultation and heightening factional distrust within the ruling party.
According to multiple party sources, the unfolding political realignments are already straining relationships among key power blocs in Ogun East, Ogun Central and Ogun West, with fears that unresolved grievances could erode the party’s longstanding electoral dominance in the state.
Ogun East Tensions Deepen
The tension is most visible in Ogun East, where the controversial consensus arrangement is reportedly fuelling a quiet but growing rift between supporters of Governor Abiodun and those loyal to former governor Gbenga Daniel.
Stakeholders in the district allege that the political process is increasingly skewed in favour of state-backed interests, with grassroots preferences being sidelined. Supporters of Daniel insist that long-standing political structures and local popularity risks being undermined by what they describe as “top-down imposition,” a development they warn could generate silent resentment ahead of the polls.
Ogun Central Political Structure Under Strain
In Ogun Central, concerns are also mounting over the perceived endorsement of Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu as a preferred candidate, a move seen by loyalists of former governor Ibikunle Amosun as an attempt to weaken an entrenched political structure with deep grassroots influence.
Amosun’s supporters argue that any attempt to disregard existing political networks could backfire during mobilisation, warning that electoral outcomes in the district have historically been shaped by strong local structures rather than elite consensus.
Ogun West Raises Inclusion Concerns
A similar wave of discontent is emerging in Ogun West, where some stakeholders allege that the deputy governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has been edged out of emerging political calculations in favour of another aspirant.
The development has triggered debates among party members and women’s groups within the district, with concerns centred on internal fairness, loyalty recognition and the broader implications for inclusivity within the party’s decision-making process.
APC Chieftain Warns Against Imposition
Amid the growing tension, a prominent APC leader in Ogun East, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo, has warned against the dangers of political exclusion and imposition, stressing that the strength of the party lies in its ability to accommodate diverse interests.
Sowemowo cautioned that while political ambition is natural, any attempt to suppress internal blocs could trigger avoidable fractures capable of weakening the party’s electoral prospects.
Analysts Warn of Silent Defections
Political observers say the implications of the current crisis go beyond senatorial contests, warning that it could significantly affect governorship calculations, National Assembly races, state assembly elections and broader mobilisation efforts ahead of 2027.
Analysts further caution that the greater risk for the APC may not necessarily be outright defections, but what they describe as “silent withdrawal of support” by aggrieved stakeholders who remain in the party but disengage from active mobilisation.
Such a development, they argue, could weaken voter turnout, disrupt campaign coordination and reduce the party’s grassroots effectiveness across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Call for Reconciliation and Internal Balance
With political manoeuvring for 2027 already intensifying, stakeholders within the party are urging urgent reconciliation and broader consultation mechanisms to prevent deeper fragmentation.
As tensions persist, concerns continue to mount that unresolved grievances could evolve into a more entrenched internal crisis if not carefully managed in the coming months.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
