Laide Raheem, Abeokuta 

Scores of loyalists of former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, have rejected his decision to quit partisan politics.

They handed him an ultimatum; lead us to the  ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

The political followers of the former governor in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), took this decision at a meeting held at Daniel’s Asoludero residence in Sagamu, which had notable PDP chieftains and supporters of the ex-governor in attendance.

They said the former governor should lead them to the APC having worked for the victory of the party’s candidate, Dapo Abiodun, in the March 9 governorship election in Ogun State.

Daniel, who was the director general of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign, had, at the weekend, announced his decision to quit partisan politics and also, resigned his PDP membership.

In a letter addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Daniel had stated that he was going to rejuvenate his charity-based organisation, Gateway Front Foundation (GFF), so as to continue to give succour to people in need and assist in their health challenges.

But, at a meeting summoned in Sagamu, yesterday, the former governor told his loyalists that he felt his job was done; having been a part of those who enthroned the incoming administration in the state.

Daniel, who recalled his entry into politics and how he served as governor from 2003 to 2011, said he had no regrets supporting governor-elect, Prince dapo Abiodun to succeed the incumbent, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

He stated that by such decision, he has given political freedom to his followers, and added that they now have the licence to claim whatever party they like.

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Said Daniel: “In the last few years, I have been battered.

“There is no name they didn’t call me simply because I am a politician. I came into politics accidentally, so, you can call me accidental politician.

“However, a genuine need to awaken the sleeping giant was what brought me into politics…”

After Daniel’s remarks, some of his supporters, including Chief Ibukun Ojosipe, Gboyega Okenla, Waliu Taiwo, Chief Iyabo Apampa, Chief Bisiriyu Popoola, took turns to speak but they disagreed with his submission to quit partisan politics.

Amid the drama, a former member of the House of Representatives, Kayode Amusan, stood up and said he would apply legislative approach to whatever decision would be taken.

Amusan, a two-term federal lawmaker, said those who wanted Daniel to remain in PDP should say “aye.”

The hall was silent; nobody said anything.

However, when the former lawmaker asked if they wanted the ex-governor to go to APC, the audience unanimously shouted “Aye!”

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Daniel said he would yield to the demands of his supporters.

“Basically, they said they agreed that I could resign from PDP; they said I must lead them to APC and they said I cannot retire from politics. That’s the summary of what I heard and, then, we have to take a look at it,” he said.