Gbenga Daniel has publicly challenged Dapo Abiodun to a live televised debate, warning that any refusal to participate would be seen as an admission of defeat.
Speaking on TVC’s Beyond The Headlines on Thursday, the former Ogun State governor said the governor’s silence on the issues he raised would only strengthen his claims.
“This is an open invitation. If he refuses, my conclusion will be that he ran away from the debate,” Daniel said.
The senator urged the programme host to arrange a face-to-face appearance with Governor Abiodun as soon as possible, insisting the public deserved to hear both sides directly.
In response, the host confirmed that the programme would extend an invitation to the governor and reserve a seat for him should he accept the challenge.
The development marks the latest twist in the growing political rift between the two All Progressives Congress leaders over the Ogun East Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tensions escalated after APC stakeholders in Ogun East endorsed Governor Abiodun as the consensus candidate for the Senate seat in April 2026 — a move Daniel strongly rejected, accusing party leaders of attempting to impose a candidate instead of allowing open primaries.
During the interview, Daniel also cautioned the governor about the limits of political power, reminding him that his tenure would soon come to an end.
“Your Excellency, you will soon become a former governor,” he said, adding that certain unwritten rules in politics should never be crossed.
As of the time of filing the report, neither Governor Abiodun’s media team nor the Ogun State Government had officially responded to the challenge.
Governor Abiodun is currently serving his second and constitutionally final term in office, making him ineligible to contest again as governor in 2027. Speculation has since intensified over his reported interest in the Ogun East Senate seat currently occupied by Daniel.
Daniel has framed the looming contest as a betrayal by a political ally he claims to have helped into office.
Read Also – I Nearly Lost My Position as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff – Femi Gbajabiamila
