Former Governor of Ogun State and the senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has said that he and his political team played an important role in the emergence of Dapo Abiodun as the governor of the state in 2019.

Daniel, who stated this, while reflecting on his 70th birthday at his hometown in Sagamu, emphasized that of not for his team backing, Abiodun wouldn’t have become governor in the state.

“Without people like us and the grace of God, he probably wouldn’t have been governor,” he noted.

Things, however, fell apart between Daniel and Abiodun after the latter’s emerged as governor for the second term in office.

The senator blamed Abiodun for not recognising political allies’ efforts for supporting his governorship ambition and giving out quality advice to his government on how to govern the state better.

He wondered why the current administration would focus on attacking him rather than considering public interest affairs, stressing that he intentionally evaded needless political disputes by seeking legal actions where necessary.

The ex-governor, however, urged leaders to step up and build on the state’s development progress as another season of elections draws nearer.

“I think our duty as leaders is to be responsive and responsible to the expectations of the people,”

“We need a mature person who appreciates that beyond ego and self-consideration, it is time to look at the collective interest of the state,” he added.

On why he left the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) for the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC) Daniel said that he decision to leave PDP was driven by a strong believe backed by ideological conviction for his political career.

“I didn’t jump. First, I have only been part of what we call the progressives and don’t forget I was part of the AD-Afenifere.”

“Why I went to PDP is because we saw potential that could be developed, and we didn’t see an opportunity within the framework of the party at that time to do it because of the way the party was set up.”

“Not anybody’s fault. And I can’t blame them because what they are doing or what they have done is within the framework of their understanding.”

“Whether they are right or wrong, it is posterity that can finally decide that, but the party felt that ‘Gbenga, it’s not your turn yet,’” he opined. (Guardian)