APC Ward Defies NWC, Insists Gbenga Daniel’s Suspension Is Untouchable

According to Ireporter Online, the Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 4 in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, has reaffirmed that the suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, remains fully in force.

The position was outlined in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the Ward Chairman, Adebayo Ismail, and Secretary, Durojaiye Oluwole. The ward leadership dismissed the APC National Secretariat’s press release of November 17, 2025, insisting that the National Working Committee (NWC) lacks the constitutional authority to overturn or review disciplinary measures initiated at the ward level.

The statement emphasized that the APC Constitution does not permit the NWC to interfere with disciplinary processes duly executed by lower party organs. It explained that the suspension was prompted by allegations of anti-party activities levelled against the senator and that the matter had been formally forwarded to the State Executive Committee for necessary action.

Ward leaders further disclosed that Senator Daniel repeatedly failed to honour invitations to appear before the executives to defend himself, stressing that all procedures followed were consistent with party guidelines.

Responding to comments attributed to the APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Bashiru—who argued that disciplinary actions should emanate from higher party structures—the ward leadership insisted that the APC Constitution places the initiation of such proceedings in the hands of any “Executive Committee Concerned,” whether at the ward, local government, state, zonal or national level, depending on the nature of the allegations.

While acknowledging that Article 21(5)(vii) empowers the NWC to suspend members, the ward leaders clarified that this does not invalidate the authority of other executive levels to discipline erring members. They argued that such decisions are subject only to appeal as prescribed in Article 21.4, not to NWC review or reversal.

The statement asserted that the directive issued by the National Secretary holds no constitutional backing and cannot override the suspension imposed on Senator Daniel by the appropriate party organs in Ogun State. It added that although the senator has not been expelled, his suspension—which has not been challenged—temporarily strips him of his rights and privileges within the party.

According to the ward leadership, the disciplinary action stems from the last general elections, during which Senator Daniel allegedly acted contrary to the party’s interests and undermined its candidates. They further accused him of attempting to obstruct justice during the Election Petitions Tribunal hearings through actions viewed as hostile to the APC.

The ward concluded by maintaining that Senator Daniel’s suspension remains valid and fully effective.