The Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has explained the reasons behind his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and align with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State between 2003 and 2011, spoke during an interview with select editors ahead of his 70th birthday celebration, where he clarified that his political journey has always been rooted in progressive ideology.
According to him, his initial move to the PDP was driven more by circumstance than conviction. He explained that he had longstanding ties with the Afenifere and the now-defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), but had limited opportunities to pursue his ambition of serving Ogun State under those platforms at the time.
Daniel noted that despite joining the PDP, he maintained his progressive leanings. He recalled that late nationalist Bola Ige played a key role in shaping the ideological foundation of the progressive movement through party constitutions and manifestos.
He also revealed that internal politics within the PDP hindered his ambitions, including his attempt to become the party’s national chairman. According to him, concerns were raised that his emergence could tilt the party’s structure in favor of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, forcing him to step down.
Daniel further disclosed that he was sidelined in major decisions within the PDP, including the selection of his successor as governor in 2011. By the time the 2019 elections approached, he said internal disputes and leadership tussles—such as the governorship ticket controversy involving Ladi Adebutu and Buruji Kashamu—deepened divisions within the party.
He added that his eventual alignment with the APC was influenced by political developments in Ogun State and his relationship with Tinubu, who encouraged him to support Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Reflecting on his political journey, Daniel emphasized that his move to the APC was not a sudden shift but a return to his ideological roots within Nigeria’s progressive political family.