Gbenga Daniel speaks on why he quit partisan politics, deal with APC, Atiku

Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, says he never reached a deal with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to dump the People...

Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, says he never reached a deal with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to dump the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Earlier in the month, Daniel quit the party as well as partisan politics.

The development led to condemnation from critics, who described him as a mole and said he was about to join the APC for some rewards.

In a chat with Vanguard, Daniel further explained reasons for the decision and his last minute declaration of support for Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun governor-elect.

He said: "The position remains that I have resigned from the PDP and from partisan politics and that resignation is in writing and no ambiguity. The people say I must lead them to APC and as I speak I have not agreed."

"I have done and that is my decision. I'm back in my office and I've been in my office since Monday and I'm at peace. I moved to Government House in Abeokuta from this same office. Now I'm back because I've got work to do.

"The fact of the case is that we as younger people have complained about sit-tight leaders who do not create space for others to move up, and that for me to do what I've done, I should be commended."

On allegation that he negotiated with APC national leader, Bola Tinubu before supporting Abiodun, Daniel said: "It is common knowledge that Tinubu is my friend. It is common knowledge that we disagreed at a point politically and he fought me to a standstill albeit indirectly.

"But as we get older and more mature, in retrospect, we should make peace. So I have made my peace with all the people who have issues with me and they include Tinubu, Osoba, Obasanjo, even Kashamu. No more wars.

"I have explained exhaustively the situation with our local politics and the reason for what we had to do without any preconditions or MOU or any financial consideration from any quarters, it's just not in my character."

Asked to comment on his relationship with Atiku Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate, and the case in court, the former governor replied: "I took him into confidence about what I wanted to do in Ogun State.

"I'm sure he also understands how local politics works. He may not be happy with my decision to leave the PDP but he's a strong politician.

"It is my prayer that justice be done and it is seen to be done. If Atiku wins, I will definitely congratulate him and wish him well, but will still maintain my principled stand and non-partisan position in the polity."