Otunba Gbenga Daniel joins race for Buhari’s successor?

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

Former Governor of Ogun State, South West Nigeria, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, may have joined the race for 2023 Presidency, The DEFENDER reports from keen observers of South West politics.

Although the Ogidi Omo, as he is popular called by his admiral, has not responded to message to him in our WhatsApp enquiry to confirm his ambition, all indications from the Ogun State political space suggested that the former two-term governor (2003-2011) is contesting.

With Daniel in the ring, the engineer that singlehandedly designed all road and streetlight structures from Kuto through Shagamu Interchange during his days at Oke Mosan Abeokuta will make the third Ogun State politician as possible materials to participate in the contest, although none of them has not come out to confirm. They are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

There are posters already flying around at the social media platforms level, but we are not sure of attachment of the main man to those fliers. Also there are groups already also fronting for both Osinbajo and Amosun.

A source told The DEFENDER, in its curiosity to know, that “The restraint of those three politicians with Ogun State blood in their veins is an indication of the uniqueness of who they are as Yoruba Land’s most strategically capacitated players.

“What I am more sure of is, if Presidency should go to the South West in 2023, the tradition is usually Ogun State. Go and check in history.

“All former Presidents, including MKO Abiola, vice presidents that must come from Yoruba Land has always come from the state of Gbenga Daniel. Mark my word,” he was confident.

From the posters so far, there is no indication of political party, although OGD is an All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in the South West region.

Beyond Ogun, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared interest and there are two others namely Kayode Fayemi and Rauf Aregbesola, who are believed to be looked up to by the people but who have not come out to talk about it.

From the South West so far, there are six aspirants, therefore, who can be listed as being penciled down for Buhari’s successor if it finally goes to the South West.

Daniel’s recent position on aspirants

The former Ogun State Governor, on Sunday 9 January, 2022, had urged leaders and traditional rulers in the South West geo-political zone to consult, consider and streamline those eyeing the coveted seat of the nation’s president in the region, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Daniel said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after the 17th Annual Thanksgiving and 10th Year Remembrance Service of his father, Most Reverend Abraham Adebola Daniel, held on Sunday 9 January, at Abraham’s Tabernacle, (Baptist International Worship Centre), Sagamu, Ogun State.

Although he did not indicate intention to contest, his position was o enable the region have a straight scaling and was supported by a three-time governorship candidate in the state, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon AbdulMajeed Adekoya.

Daniel noted that his view became imperative in view of the clamour that the South West zone be allowed to produce the next president after the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-term of eight years in office.

He said: “You know that we have entered the election season and there are loads and loads of speculation that the Western state or what we can call the South West, is being strongly considered to take over the mantle of leadership from the President.

“And as usual, you know how it goes that there are many of our people who are qualified, who are strong, who are willing, who are able. But if we really want to retain that opportunity, it is incumbent upon all our elders and leaders to come together and streamline. If they come together and say okay, it’s either one or two people, there are chances that Nigerians may respect that wish.

“That’s why I was appealing to all our Obas and leaders not to rest on their oars. Power is never served a la carte. We, therefore, have the duty and the responsibility to come together so that we can present a common front.”

The duo of Isiaka and Adekoya posited that the South West region has array of competent and capable politicians that could administer the country well.