Fawaz Adebisi
Former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, on Tuesday declared that he would secure an overwhelming victory in the Ogun East senatorial contest, as he accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of neglecting Ijebu land and shortchanging the people of the district.
Daniel, who currently represents Ogun East in the Senate, made the remarks during an empowerment programme and medical outreach held at Obalofin’s Court in GRA, Ijebu Ode.
The outreach, organised under his OGD Empowerments initiative, provided free medical and eye care services to over 1,000 residents, while more than 600 beneficiaries received free drugs.
Speaking at the event, Daniel said he remained confident of defeating Abiodun in the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary, insisting that the governor “does not deserve” the ticket.
“I am aware of the enormous power of the incumbent, but in a free and fair election, I will defeat him overwhelmingly,” he said.
The former governor, who governed Ogun State between 2003 and 2011, accused Abiodun of demonstrating what he described as “hate” towards Ijebu land through alleged neglect of critical infrastructure and projects.
He listed affected areas to include Ijebu North East, Ijebu East, Odogbolu, Remo North, Ikenne, Sagamu, Ogun Waterside and Ijebu North, insisting that the region had not benefited commensurately from the state’s resources.
Daniel also questioned the relocation of the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery from Ijebu to Lagos, claiming the project was originally planned for Ogun Waterside.
According to him, a former governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun, had urged him to seek explanations from Abiodun over the development.
He further criticised the state government over the slow pace of work on the proposed Federal Medical Centre in Ijebu Ode, the stalled deep seaport project, and what he described as lack of support for Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic.
Daniel lamented the condition of the Gateway International Stadium in Ijebu Ode, noting that the facility had deteriorated despite hosting major sporting events in the past.
He also alleged that the ongoing naval base project in Abigi, facilitated during his tenure as Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, suffered resistance from the state government despite its potential economic and social benefits.
The senator, however, acknowledged Abiodun’s role in completing the airport project initiated by his administration.
Daniel argued that despite increased federal allocations to Ogun State under President Bola Tinubu, development in Ijebu land remained unsatisfactory.
He claimed that the state now receives significantly higher revenue compared to his administration, noting that Ogun’s annual budget had risen to about N1.6tn.
“For eight years, we worked with about N330bn, but today the state earns that within months. The question is: what is there to show in Ijebu land?” he queried.
Daniel also alleged that some of his supporters were being denied party membership cards ahead of the primaries, urging party members to insist on direct primaries and participate actively in the process.
“Ijebu land is not for sale,” he declared, calling on party faithful to resist intimidation and vote according to their conscience.
‘
‘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
Leave a comment