Iyabo Obasanjo quits APC, cites disrespect by Party leadership

By Taiwo Scholarstica

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

In a resignation letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, Obasanjo said her decision followed months of dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of its governorship candidate selection process.

The former senator, who recently sought the APC governorship ticket in Ogun State, criticised the consensus arrangement that produced Solomon Adeola as the party’s candidate. She argued that the process did not comply with APC guidelines, noting that she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was announced as the consensus choice.

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

Despite her concerns, she said she accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and publicly congratulated Adeola on the night of his emergence.

According to her, Adeola later requested a meeting with her supporters, during which three demands were presented. She said the senator promised to respond within a week, but more than two months later, no feedback had been received.

Describing the development as part of a broader pattern of disregard, Obasanjo stated that the treatment she received reflected consistent 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 said.

The former lawmaker, however, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Ogun APC chairman and other party leaders for the support and courtesies extended to her during her time in the party.

Obasanjo returned to active politics earlier this year after registering as an APC member in Ifo Local Government Area. She previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007 and represented Ogun Central in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.

After spending several years in the United States following her unsuccessful re-election bid in 2011, she re-emerged on the political scene in late 2025, signalling interest in the 2027 Ogun governorship race before ultimately announcing her departure from the APC.