August 31, (THEWILL) — The Ogun State chapter of the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has waded into the brewing crisis between former governor Gbenga Daniel and incumbent governor Dapo Abiodun over the planned demolition of some of Daniel’s properties.
The opposition coalition on Sunday urged both leaders to put aside their differences and warned that it would institute legal action if the government proceeds with its demolition notice on Daniel’s residence, Asoludero Court, and Conference Hotel.
Daniel and Abiodun have recently exchanged words over the planned exercise, with the former governor accusing his successor of abuse of power, while Abiodun insisted that Daniel must comply with the law like every other citizen.
Addressing journalists in Abeokuta, CUPP Chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, said the coalition could not fold its arms while the two political heavyweights risk plunging the state into crisis.
He accused Governor Abiodun of persecuting Daniel over political differences and expressed shock that the government could contemplate demolishing the properties of a two-term governor and serving senator.
According to him, such actions amount to a deliberate attempt to weaken Daniel politically ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is nothing short of political persecution and a brazen attempt to destroy the legacy of a man who has served this state diligently,” Soluade declared.
He added, “Ogun State is not built on envy or hatred. Our politics must never descend into personal destruction simply because of political disagreements.”
Soluade, who also doubles as the Ogun State chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said rather than resorting to “political blackmail and intimidation,”
Governor Abiodun should challenge Daniel at the party’s primaries if he intends to contest the Ogun East senatorial ticket.
He added that CUPP would stand by Daniel and resist any attempt to “silence or erase his legacy,” stressing that democracy is about ideas, not vindictiveness.
“We therefore demand that the governor immediately rescind this reckless decision. Ogun people must reject politics of bitterness and destruction,” he said.
He added, “If this government goes ahead, we will not hesitate to join Senator Daniel in court to protect our democracy.”
Efforts to reach the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, for comments proved abortive.
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
