By: Otunba (Dr) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
Political parties thrive not on emotion or factional pressure, but on structure, rules, and respect for institutional hierarchy. Where rules are ignored, chaos replaces order. Where hierarchy is dismissed, the party ceases to function as a unified political body and becomes a collection of competing fiefdoms. That is why the ongoing controversy over the purported suspension of Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel requires absolute clarity—not politics, not sentiments, but constitutional truth.
In recent days, Ward 4 of Sagamu Local Government released a statement insisting that the suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel remains in effect, arguing that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no constitutional authority to review, halt or intervene in their disciplinary action. However, this position does not align with the provisions of the APC Constitution, nor does it reflect the hierarchy and operational logic of a national political party.
The National Working Committee Has Supervisory Powers Over All Party Organs. The APC Constitution does not operate on autonomous compartments. The NWC is not a spectator in internal disciplinary actions it is the supervisory authority.
Article 13.4(iv) empowers the NWC to:
“Ensure compliance with the provisions of the Party Constitution by all organs and officers.” Further, Article 13.4(xviii) equips the Committee to: “Handle all matters affecting the Party and take decisions on such matters.” This includes disciplinary processes especially when they concern an elected national office holder whose role extends beyond ward boundaries.
Therefore, the directive issued by the National Secretary on 17 November 2025 advising all lower organs to suspend further public action until the NWC fully reviews the matter is not optional guidance. It is a constitutionally binding instruction.
Suspension Is Not Valid Until Due Process Is Completed. Even if disciplinary action originates from the ward level, it must follow an established chain of procedure: investigation, fair hearing, committee report, review, and escalation.
Article 21.3(d) states clearly:
No disciplinary action shall be taken unless the member has been given the opportunity to defend himself before a properly constituted committee.There is no evidence that such a process was concluded, reviewed, or ratified by the appropriate authority.
No Ward Can Make Final Disciplinary Decisions on a Senator
A ward organ can initiate a disciplinary process-not conclude it.A valid sanction involving a national officer requires escalation to higher bodies, and ultimately:
Only the National Executive Committee (NEC) can make a final determination.(Article 21.4(i)) . Until that process is exhausted, no suspension can be considered final or enforceable.Internal Discipline Requires Order Not Media Warfare
The attempt by Ward 4 to dismiss the National Secretariat’s intervention and insist on its own finality contradicts the spirit and letter of the APC Constitution. No organ at ward or state level can reject a directive of the NWC or seek to act outside the oversight structure of the party.
Discipline must strengthen the party not fracture it. The Current Position of the Party Is Clear. Based on the official communication of the National Secretariat:
Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel remains a full, legally recognized member of the APC pending the conclusion of the constitutionally mandated review. Any contrary declaration is premature, procedurally defective, and inconsistent with APC governance mechanisms.
Conclusion: The Party Must Choose Order Over Anarchy
This is not about personalities or political camps. It is about the rule of law within the APC. If a ward can suspend a senator without appeal oversight, a local government can suspend a governor, and a state can suspend the national leadership. That is not party administration it is fragmentation. The strength of any political party lies in its ability to enforce discipline without violating due process.
Ogun APC must now step back, respect the NWC directive, allow investigation to proceed, and place constitutionality above confrontation. Because a party that cannot govern itself cannot credibly ask to govern the people.
Signed:
Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo, D.Sc (h.c)
National Chairman
Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group (AATSG)
Date: Thursday , 20th November, 2025
Email: nchairman@aatsg.org.ng
Phone: +234 905 353 5322
Website: www.aatsg.org.ng
As we look to the future, let’s embrace the important role our choices play in shaping the destiny of our nation. Together, let’s commit to the path of active and positive citizenship!
