The BATOGD Movement says its strategic boycott of the Ogun APC senatorial primary prevented violence and possible bloodshed, while praising Senator Gbenga Daniel for prioritising lives over ambition
“Your Lives Matter More” — BATOGD Movement Explains Stay-Away Order, Mobilises for APC Primaries
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement has declared that its tactical stay-away directive during the Ogun APC senatorial primary election helped avert what it described as a looming political bloodbath capable of claiming innocent lives.
In a statement made available to the media, the political movement said its leadership acted proactively after sensing imminent danger around the primary process, insisting that the decision to stay away from the exercise was taken purely in the interest of peace and the protection of supporters.
The group maintained that the move prevented what could have become “the worst political bloodshed” in the history of senatorial primary elections in Ogun State, adding that the maturity displayed by its members ensured that tensions did not spiral into chaos.
According to the movement, the decision by former Ogun State governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to heed the advice of the organisation’s leadership underscored his commitment to human lives above political ambition.
“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 organisation further praised Daniel for demonstrating restraint at a critical moment, saying his conduct reflected democratic maturity and statesmanship.
“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, describing the senator as “one of the heroes of this democratic process.”
The BATOGD Movement also reaffirmed its loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that despite the controversy surrounding the senatorial primary, its members remain committed to internal democracy, party unity and the broader vision of the APC-led administration.
The group subsequently directed its members and political associates across Ogun State to mobilise massively for the remaining governorship and presidential primaries of the party, urging supporters not to abandon the democratic process.
“The Movement remains firmly committed to the ideals of internal democracy, party unity, and the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement said while calling on members to “actively join and participate fully in the remaining APC primaries.”
The statement was jointly endorsed by a broad coalition of political leaders and stakeholders across Ogun East and Remo divisions, including General (Rev’d) Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd), Akogun Kola Onadipe, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo, Prince Segun Seriki, Hon. John Obafemi, Otunba Tayo Onayemi, Dr. Bankole Osisanya, Alhaja Ronke Carew, Rt. Hon. Remmy Hassan, Rt. Hon. Oludare Kadiri (Maba), Aremo Babatunde Adesanya, Dr. Babatunde Onadeko, Hon. Maruf Musa, Hon. Tunde Ayanbajo, Pastor Jide Onadeko, Chief Mrs. Josephine Makanjuola, Prince Taiwo Nodiru, Prince Wale Osinyemi, Mrs. Yinka Kondu, Alhaji Yekini Adesanya, Hon. Deji Solaja, Hon. Bosun Soniyi, Hon. Dele Osifade, Hon. Jamiu Alabi, Hon. Wole Olubena, Hon. Samuel Opabiyi, Hon. Tayo Otusanya, Hon. Olamide Awoderu, Alhaja Ganiyat Busari, Hon. Idowu Osho, Aare Kolade Segun-Okeowo, Hon. Jenriyi Osinowo, Otunba (Dr.) Korede Okusanya, Otunba Princess Ronke Oduneye, Comrade Adetayo Daniyan, Alhaji Comrade Hon. Adeniyi Shamsudeen Tunde and Hon. Bakare Adeniyi.
