2027 battle rages in Ogun as BAT/OGD violates Abiodun consent, police deployment

The simmering political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections in Ogun State intensified on Thursday as leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun East senatorial district, under the aegis of the BAT/OGD movement, accused rival forces within the party of intimidation, manipulation of consensus. The 2027 battle rages in Ogun as BAT/OGD violates Abiodun consent, police deployment and misuse of security agencies.

At a press conference in Ijebu Ode, the director general of the movement, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (retd.), flanked by the deputy director general, Otunba Tayo Onayemi, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo and Akogun Kola Onanidipe, decried a “coordinated attempt to subvert internal democracy” in the state chapter of the APC.

The group’s protest follows the massive deployment of armed policemen and armored vehicles on Wednesday on roads leading to the residence of former Ogun State governor and sitting senator, Gbenga Daniel, in Ijebu Ode.

Okunowo described the operation as excessive and unjustified, insisting that the movement had no event planned for that day, having previously postponed its planned empowerment programme.

“You were told that the Inspector General of Police stopped the operation, and indeed he did. But those who started the operation acted in vain. No event occurred; they stopped nothing because nothing was happening,” he said.

The group said the deployment was triggered by false information provided by a local government official, which led to the blocking of roads and restriction of movement around Obalofin Court.

Describing the action as a “serious abuse of executive power”, stakeholders warned that such tactics could erode democratic norms and deepen mistrust within the ruling party.

The BAT/OGD movement also took issue with a recent political meeting in Ogun East, which it said was billed as a senatorial caucus meeting but was in reality a pre-arranged endorsement of a favorite aspirant.

According to the group, several statutory party leaders were tricked into attending the event, only to find that the process had been distorted.

“Most of the leaders were invited under the guise of a caucus meeting, but upon arrival it became clear that more than half of those present were not qualified to attend such a meeting,” Okunowo said.

He further alleged that some recognized stakeholders of the party were denied access to the venue and said it was a “DA show” meant exclusively for loyalists of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

While recognizing the right of political actors to organize meetings, the group criticized what it described as the use of the APC platform to legitimize a “premeditated approval exercise”.

Despite the growing tension, the movement reaffirmed its loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC, stressing that the party in Ogun State had already adopted him as its consensus presidential candidate for 2027.

He also referred to the reported adoption of Olamilekan Adeola as the consensus governorship candidate of the party, expressing hope that political alignments in the state would stabilize.

However, stakeholders have warned that unilateral endorsements and exclusionary tactics could destabilize the party if not properly managed.

“I don’t think there is a divided party,” Okunowo said. “But if issues of consent and enforcement are not handled carefully, they could create that impression.”

He stressed that the APC constitution does not provide for automatic tickets, adding that any consensus candidate must get the agreement of all aspirants, otherwise the party will have to resort to direct primaries.

“If an aspirant refuses to accept, the party has to go back to direct primaries. This is the constitutional provision,” he said.

The group also cautioned against relying on the President’s perceived “body language” to justify imposing a candidate, noting that such interpretations could be misleading and divisive.
Beyond the political dispute, the BAT/OGD movement has highlighted its grassroots mobilization efforts across Ogun East, saying it has successfully conducted community engagement and empowerment programs in seven of the nine local government areas of the district since September 2025.

According to the group, the initiative implemented in collaboration with organizations such as Emzor Pharmaceuticals and Eye Foundation, has provided microcredit support, medical assistance and eye care services to thousands of residents.

The tour, which began in Sagamu with the commissioning of a modern market, is yet to cover Ijebu Ode and Remo North.

Okunowo explained that the Ijebu Ode leg of the programme, initially scheduled for the Obanta Club, had been postponed earlier due to logistical reasons, casting doubt on the basis for the massive security deployment.

The movement also recalled past incidents, including the demolition of DATKEM Plaza in 2023, citing a pattern of high-handedness by the executive in the state.

Maintaining that its activities remained peaceful and law-abiding, the group said it had deliberately refrained from sponsoring candidates in previous local government elections to preserve unity within the APC.

“We are committed to democracy and due process. We will not engage in violence, but will pursue our goals within the confines of the law,” Okunowo said.

While praising the Inspector General of Police for restoring normalcy, the group called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged security agencies to remain neutral.

“We have absolute faith in President Tinubu to ensure fairness and justice. Security agencies must not allow themselves to be used to suppress the rights of law-abiding citizens,” the statement added.

The BAT/OGD Movement concluded by announcing that its community assessment and review tour in Ijebu Ode will proceed as planned, with formal notification to the relevant authorities.

Political observers say the ongoing developments underline a growing rivalry between Daniel’s supporters and Governor Abiodun’s loyalists, as the battle for control of Ogun East and the broader 2027 political landscape gathers momentum.

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