Iyabo Obasanjo Dumps APC, Cites Disrespect, Exclusion By Ogun Party Leadership

Former senator representing Ogun Central, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what she described as persistent disrespect, exclusion, and unfair treatment by the party leadership in Ogun State.

Obasanjo, a former governorship aspirant under the APC and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, announced her resignation in a letter dated May 31 addressed to the Ogun State APC chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi. A copy of the letter was made available to journalists on Monday.

The United States-based Associate Professor of Epidemiology criticised the process that produced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as “Yayi,” as the party’s consensus governorship candidate, alleging that it did not follow the APC’s established guidelines.

She said although she had agreed to support any candidate that emerged through a consensus arrangement, she was not consulted or involved in the process that led to Adeola’s emergence.

Obasanjo also alleged that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the candidate was unveiled and were subjected to intimidation.

Despite her reservations, she said she accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and publicly congratulated Adeola on the night he was declared the consensus candidate.

According to her, Adeola later requested a meeting with her supporters, during which three demands were presented. She said he promised to respond within one week but had yet to do so more than two months later.

She argued that the incident reflected what she described as a pattern of disregard for her contributions and commitment to 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 said.

Obasanjo thanked President Bola Tinubu, Ogun APC Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi, and the Ogun Central Senatorial leadership for their support and courtesy during her time in the party.

She returned to active politics earlier in 2025 after registering as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

She previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007 and represented Ogun Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.

After an unsuccessful re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States and stayed away from partisan politics until late 2025, when her governorship ambition under the APC began to surface before her resignation.