Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, a former Commissioner for Health, ex-Ogun Central senator, and daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has resigned her membership of the All Conservatives Congress (APC), citing persistent disrespect, rejection, and unfair treatment by the party’s leadership in Ogun State.
The prominent politician, who recently contested for the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, announced her formal exit in a letter dated 31 May, addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi. A copy of the correspondence was made available to journalists in the state capital.
In the letter, the former lawmaker strongly criticised the consensus process that led to the emergence of Senator Adeola Solomon (popularly known as Yayi) as the party’s governorship candidate. She described the selection mechanism as inconsistent with the APC’s established guidelines.
Senator Obasanjo stated that while she had previously pledged to abide by any consensus arrangement adopted by the party, she was neither consulted nor involved in the deliberations before Senator Adeola was announced as the chosen candidate.
Furthermore, she alleged that some of her loyal supporters were actively barred from entering the venue where the candidate was unveiled and were subjected to intimidation.
Despite her deep reservations, the former senator maintained that she initially accepted the party’s decision for the sake of internal unity, even going so far as to publicly congratulate Senator Adeola on the night of his victory.
The situation reportedly deteriorated further following a post-primary outreach. Senator Obasanjo disclosed that the newly minted candidate subsequently requested a meeting with her political base, during which three specific requests were presented to him. According to her, Senator Adeola promised to respond within a week; however, more than two months elapsed without any feedback.
She argued that this prolonged silence reflected a broader, systemic disregard for her status and her contributions to the political platform.
“I agreed to support whichever candidate emerged through a consensus process, but I was not consulted before Senator Adeola was presented as the consensus candidate,” Senator Obasanjo wrote. “Some of my supporters were denied access to the venue and intimidated. Nevertheless, I accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and publicly congratulated Senator Adeola that same night.
“Following his emergence, Senator Adeola requested a meeting with my supporters. During that meeting, three requests were made, and he promised to respond within one week. More than two months later, no response has been received.
“The treatment I have received since then has reflected a consistent pattern of rejection and disrespect,” she continued. “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.”
Despite her sharp criticisms of the state chapter’s handling of the primary process, the former lawmaker expressed her gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the State Chairman, Chief Sanusi, and the Ogun Central Senatorial leadership, led by Chief Soremi, for the courtesy and support extended to her during her time with the party.
Senator Obasanjo had made a highly publicised return to active politics earlier this year when she registered as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, within the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, before launching her short-lived gubernatorial campaign.
At the time of reporting, the leadership of the Ogun State APC has not issued an official response regarding her resignation or the allegations of intimidation surrounding the consensus process.
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