Former Senator representing Ogun Central and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what she described as persistent disrespect, rejection and maltreatment by the party leadership in Ogun State.
The former lawmaker, who recently sought the APC governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, announced her decision in a resignation letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun State Chairman of the party, Chief Yemi Sanusi. A copy of the letter was made available to journalists on Monday.
Iyabo Obasanjo faulted the consensus arrangement that produced Senator Solomon Adeola as the party’s governorship candidate, insisting that the process violated APC guidelines and failed to involve all aspirants as required.
According to her, despite publicly pledging to abide by any consensus decision reached by the party, she was neither consulted nor carried along before Adeola’s emergence was announced.
She alleged that some of her supporters were violently prevented from entering the venue where the candidate was unveiled, but said she chose to prioritize party unity and immediately congratulated Adeola while pledging support for his ambition.
The former Ogun State Commissioner for Health disclosed that the senator later met with her and her supporters after reaching out to appreciate her statesmanship.
During the meeting, she said her supporters presented three requests, stressing that none was compulsory, and Adeola promised to respond within one week. However, she claimed that more than two months later, no response had been received.
In the letter, Obasanjo lamented that she was treated as though she had made no contributions to the party’s growth in Ogun Central and across the state.
When that day came, even as violence was perpetrated against my supporters to stop them from entering the venue, I maintained my calmness,she stated.
She added that no one acknowledged her presence at the event despite being one of the major contenders and having worked extensively to mobilize grassroots support for the party.
Reflecting on her experience, the former senator wrote. famous person once said that when disrespect is the only dish served, then one should leave the table. I am therefore leaving the APC table where I am not welcome. This is my resignation from the party.
Despite her grievances, Obasanjo expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Ogun APC Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi and Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman Chief Soremi, whom she said treated her warmly during her brief stay in the ruling party.
Prof. Obasanjo formally returned to partisan politics in January when she registered as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. Her return had sparked widespread speculation after campaign-style billboards bearing her image appeared across Abeokuta with the inscription,
In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Sen. (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni, fueling talks of a governorship ambition ahead of 2027.
