Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026.

The decision followed a directive from his political support group, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement (BATOGD), citing serious security concerns and alleged threats against supporters. Daniel has since endorsed the decision and confirmed his non-participation in the contest.

The BATOGD Movement, made up of key political allies across Ogun East’s nine local government areas, instructed the senator to step aside from the race. The group also directed supporters to boycott the primaries, warning of potential violence and what they described as hostile actions linked to “agents of the state government.” They insisted the decision was taken to protect lives amid rising tensions ahead of the election.

In a formal statement signed by the movement’s leadership, the group alleged suspicious movements and threats targeting their supporters in the days leading up to the primaries. They claimed these developments created an unsafe environment that made participation in the election impossible in good conscience.

Daniel’s media adviser later confirmed that the senator fully aligned with the decision, prioritizing safety over political participation in the contentious party process.