2027: Iyabo Obasanjo dumps APC, cites disrespect, maltreatment by party leadership

Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo Resigns from APC, Citing Disrespect and Maltreatment

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, former senator and daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has announced her resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC). In her resignation letter, dated May 31 and addressed to APC’s Ogun State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, she cited feelings of disrespect and maltreatment by the party leadership as key reasons for her departure.

Prof. Obasanjo recently sought the APC’s governorship nomination for the upcoming 2027 elections but expressed dissatisfaction with the consensus arrangement that led to Senator Solomon Adeola’s designation as the party’s candidate. She criticized this process as inconsistent with the party’s established guidelines, claiming it did not involve adequate consultation with other aspirants.

The former senator, who served Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011, noted that although she had agreed to respect any consensus decision, the party’s leadership failed to involve her in discussions prior to declaring Adeola as the consensus candidate. She also alleged that supporters of hers were prevented from entering the venue where Adeola’s candidacy was confirmed.

Despite her grievances, Obasanjo publicly congratulated Adeola and expressed her intention to support his governorship bid. Following the announcement, she stated that Adeola reached out to her to express gratitude for her sportsmanship and later met with her and her supporters. During that meeting, her supporters presented three non-compulsory requests, to which Adeola promised a response within a week. However, more than two months later, she claims that she has yet to receive any communication from him.

In her resignation letter, Obasanjo emphasized her commitment to party unity, even in light of the events that led to her decision to leave. “When I started the journey to get the party’s nomination for Governor, I expressed my willingness to honor the party’s consensus decision,” she wrote. “However, the process leading to the announcement of the candidate did not adhere to the guidelines outlined by the national party.”

Obasanjo expressed a sense of neglect, feeling that her contributions to the APC were not recognized, stating, “This is just part of the general treatment I have received from APC of disrespect and rejection.”

Nevertheless, she thanked President Bola Tinubu, Chief Sanusi, and Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman Chief Soremi for their cordiality during her time with the party. “I appreciate the warm treatment I received from you both,” she added.

Prof. Obasanjo re-entered partisan politics in January by registering as an APC member in Ibogun, part of Ogun State. Speculation regarding her aspirations grew in late 2022 when campaign billboards featuring her image appeared in Abeokuta, suggesting a potential bid for governor in the forthcoming elections.