BATOGD APC primary boycott leaders praise supporters for obeying stay-away directive during Ogun East senatorial poll

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement has commended its members and supporters for complying with its stay-away directive during Monday’s All Progressives Congress Ogun East Senatorial District primary election, while urging loyalists to actively participate in the party’s remaining primary exercises.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday under the title “Restoration Beyond Ebenezeri,” the BATOGD Movement described the decision to boycott the senatorial primary as necessary to prevent violence and protect supporters from harm.

The statement, signed by 37 leading figures across the Ogun East Senatorial District, followed an earlier directive released on Sunday evening asking members to stay away from the primary election over alleged security threats, intimidation and the deployment of political thugs.

According to the movement, the decision was based on credible intelligence suggesting that supporters could face attacks during the exercise.

“The tactical stay away directive from the leadership averted what could have been the worst political bloodshed on innocent participants in the history of Senatorial Primary elections in the State,” the statement read.

The BATOGD APC primary boycott has generated political attention within Ogun State, particularly as internal contestations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The movement also praised former Ogun State governor and senator, Gbenga Daniel, for complying with the directive issued by the group’s leadership.

“We thank His Excellency Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel for heeding the advice of the Movement, confirming that his ambition is not worth sacrificing the lives of his people,” the statement added.

“We believe he is one of the heroes of this democratic process.”

Despite the controversy surrounding the senatorial primary election, the group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu.

“The Movement remains firmly committed to the ideals of internal democracy, party unity, and the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement stated.

In what observers consider a significant political signal, the movement distinguished the senatorial primary from the broader APC primary process and directed its members to fully engage in the remaining exercises.

It specifically urged supporters and associates to participate actively in the governorship and presidential party primaries.

Among those who signed the statement were General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (Rtd.), Akogun Kola Onadipe, Rt. Hon. Remmy Hassan, Rt. Hon. Oludare Kadiri, Dr. Babatunde Onadeko and Aremo Babatunde Adesanya.

The signatories represented local government areas across Ogun East, including Ijebu Ode, Ijebu North, Sagamu, Remo North, Odogbolu, Ikenne, Ijebu East, Ijebu North East and Ogun Waterside.

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Political analysts said the development indicates that the BATOGD structure intends to remain a powerful and organised bloc within the APC despite tensions surrounding the senatorial primary election.