Senator Gbenga Daniel has formally picked the All Progressives Congress nomination and expression of interest forms to seek re-election for the Ogun East senatorial seat in 2027. The move directly challenges an alleged consensus arrangement within the party’s Ogun chapter.
The decision follows days of visible tension in the state’s APC structure. Daniel, a former Ogun State governor, had earlier claimed he was locked out of an APC caucus meeting in Ijebu-Ode. He publicly rejected the legitimacy of that gathering while addressing supporters.
“We are here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting, but surprisingly, we have been barred,” Daniel said at the time. “We are told that we can’t enter but let it be said that whatever they do here today is null and void.” 
Daniel confirmed his 2027 ambition on X, posting a photo of his nomination documents. He wrote that he seeks to return to the Nigerian Senate “continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District under the platform of the APC.”
His action points to a possible breakdown of internal agreements within the Ogun APC. The party had announced a mix of consensus and direct primaries for candidate selection, but Daniel’s move signals resistance from stakeholders unwilling to shelve their ambitions.
The development comes as political activity ramps up nationwide. Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has also obtained APC nomination forms to contest in 2027, showing growing competition across party ranks.
According to the APC’s timetable, sale of nomination and expression of interest forms began April 25 and will close May 2, with submissions due by May 4. Screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 6 to May 9, while senatorial primaries are slated for May 18 and the presidential primary for May 23.
The episode highlights mounting strain within the APC’s internal democracy framework, especially in states where consensus deals are disputed. Analysts warn that unresolved conflicts could spark factional alignments, legal battles, or weaken party cohesion before the general elections.
