Political Maneuver or Popular Pressure? Gbenga Daniel’s Shifting Stance Raises Eyebrows

When Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State and erstwhile Director-General of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organization, announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in March 2019, political watchers across Nigeria were thrown into speculation. Would he defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), or was this another tactical retreat in the theatre of Nigeria’s fluid political alignments?

Initially, Daniel appeared to resist the narrative that he was crossing over to the APC. In a carefully worded statement on March 19, 2019, he clarified that while he had officially resigned from the PDP and from “partisan politics,” he had not agreed to lead his supporters into the APC, contrary to swirling reports.

“I have resigned from PDP and from partisan politics. I did that in writing, no ambiguities,” he stated firmly, emphasizing that the notion of him spearheading a move to the APC was being driven by his followers rather than personal ambition. According to Daniel, the meeting with his political base in Sagamu merely allowed his supporters the freedom to align with any party of their choice.

Yet, his clarification did little to stem the tide of public speculation. The timing of his resignation—just 24 hours before his supporters expressed interest in joining the APC—sparked assumptions that Daniel was testing the waters before making a full political comeback under a new banner.

Interestingly, while Daniel insisted on being apolitical, time has painted a different picture. Fast forward to the present: he now serves as the Senator representing Ogun East under the very party he once publicly distanced himself from—the APC. Otunba Gbenga Daniel officially joined the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Tuesday, 16 February 2021 at ward 12, Isote in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.  The seeming contradiction between his 2019 statements and his current political position has led to renewed debate over the sincerity of his initial withdrawal from politics.

Analysts suggest Daniel's actions might reflect a broader pattern in Nigerian politics, where public declarations are often strategic rather than definitive. Was his “resignation” a temporary pause to gauge public and political response before formally embracing the ruling party? Or did he genuinely intend to retire, only to be drawn back by pressure from supporters and political opportunities?

Whatever the motivation, Gbenga Daniel’s political journey from PDP stalwart to APC Senator underscores the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and influence in Nigeria’s democratic space. It also serves as a reminder that in Nigerian politics, few doors are ever truly closed.

Last update: 16/02/2021