ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — Former Ogun Central Senator and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, 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.
Okay News reports that Obasanjo announced her resignation in a letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi. Her exit comes months after she contested for the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
The former lawmaker expressed dissatisfaction with the consensus process that produced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the APC governorship candidate in Ogun State. According to her, although she had agreed to support any candidate chosen through a consensus arrangement, she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was announced as the party’s preferred 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. Despite her concerns, she said she accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and publicly congratulated Adeola on the night he emerged as the candidate.
She disclosed that the senator later met with her supporters and promised to respond to three requests they presented to him within a week. However, she claimed that more than two months later, no response had been received, describing the situation as part of a broader pattern of disregard for her role and contributions within the party.
“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 in the resignation letter.
Despite her departure, Obasanjo thanked President Bola Tinubu, Ogun APC Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi, and leaders of the Ogun Central Senatorial District for the support and courtesy she received during her time in the party.
The former senator returned to active politics earlier this year after registering as an APC member in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State and subsequently declaring her interest in contesting the governorship election under the party’s platform.
