Iyabo Obasanjo Dumps APC, Alleges Disrespect and Exclusion in Ogun Governorship Process

Former Ogun Central Senator and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what she described as persistent disrespect, exclusion and unfair treatment by the party leadership in Ogun State.

The resignation marks a significant political development within the Ogun APC, particularly as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

In a resignation letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun State Chairman of the APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi, Obasanjo accused the party of failing to uphold the principles of inclusiveness and fairness in the process that produced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s governorship candidate.

The former lawmaker, who recently joined the race for the Ogun governorship under the APC platform, said she had committed herself to supporting any candidate that emerged through a transparent consensus arrangement. However, she alleged that the process through which Adeola was eventually adopted fell short of the party's established guidelines. According to her, she was neither consulted nor involved in the discussions leading to the announcement of Adeola as the consensus candidate.

Obasanjo further alleged that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the candidate was unveiled and were subjected to intimidation during the exercise.

Despite her reservations, she said she chose to accept the outcome in the interest of party cohesion and publicly congratulated Senator Adeola on the night he emerged as the party’s candidate.

She disclosed that following the announcement, Adeola reached out and requested a meeting with her supporters. During the engagement, she said three requests were presented to him, with a promise that responses would be provided within one week.

According to Obasanjo, more than two months after the meeting, neither she nor her supporters received any feedback.

She described the development as part of a wider pattern of disregard for her contributions and political standing within the party.

“The treatment I have received since then has reflected a consistent pattern of rejection and disrespect. When disrespect is the only dish served, then one should leave the table. I am therefore leaving the APC table where I am not welcomed,” she stated.

While announcing her departure, Obasanjo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ogun State APC leadership and members of the Ogun Central Senatorial District structure for the support and courtesies extended to her during her time in the party.

Her exit comes only months after she returned to frontline politics, registering as a member of the APC in Ward 11, Ibogun, in Ifo Local Government Area before declaring her governorship ambition.

Political observers say the resignation could further reshape political calculations within Ogun State as parties and aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.