Iyabo Obasanjo Quits APC Over Alleged Disrespect and Exclusion in Ogun Politics

By Suleiman Bature · Published June 8, 2026

Former Senator representing Ogun Central 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 leaders of the party in Ogun State.

Her resignation, which has stirred political conversations across the South-West and beyond, comes barely months after she joined the ruling party and declared interest in the Ogun State governorship race ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to reports, Iyabo Obasanjo conveyed her decision in a resignation letter dated May 31, 2026, addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi. Copies of the letter reportedly surfaced publicly on Monday, drawing widespread reactions from party loyalists and political observers.

In the letter, the former lawmaker expressed disappointment over the internal processes that led to the emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.

She alleged that despite publicly agreeing to support any candidate that emerged through a consensus arrangement, she was excluded from critical consultations before the final decision was announced.

The former senator also claimed that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the consensus candidate was unveiled and were intimidated during the process.

According to her, the treatment she received after the governorship selection reflected a pattern of political marginalization and disrespect that she could no longer tolerate.

“A 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 welcomed,” she reportedly stated in the resignation letter.

Her exit from the ruling party has added another layer of political tension to the evolving political landscape in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Iyabo Obasanjo had only recently returned to active partisan politics after years away from the political frontline. Earlier in 2026, she formally joined the APC in Ward 11, Ibogun, located in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Her return generated significant attention due to her political pedigree and the influence of the Obasanjo name in Nigerian politics.

Political campaign materials and billboards bearing her image had earlier appeared across parts of Abeokuta and other areas in Ogun State, fueling speculation about her governorship ambition long before her official declaration.

Before joining the APC, the former senator had reportedly maintained limited involvement in partisan politics since leaving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) years ago.

Interestingly, during interviews shortly after joining the APC, Iyabo Obasanjo explained that her decision to align with the ruling party was largely influenced by personal relationships and outreach from APC members who remained in contact with her during her absence from active politics. (Premium Times Nigeria)

However, her abrupt departure now signals what analysts describe as deepening cracks within the party’s internal structure in Ogun State.

Political observers believe the controversy surrounding the consensus arrangement may affect future alignments and alliances ahead of the governorship election season.

Some analysts also argue that the development reflects a broader challenge within Nigerian political parties where internal democracy and stakeholder consultations often remain contentious issues.

Although the APC in Ogun State has yet to issue a detailed official reaction to her resignation, party insiders reportedly downplayed the development, insisting that the party remains united and focused on preparations for future elections.

Supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola have equally defended the consensus process, maintaining that it complied with party guidelines and was necessary to avoid prolonged internal conflicts.

Nevertheless, Iyabo Obasanjo’s resignation has sparked fresh debates about inclusiveness, transparency, and power dynamics within the ruling party.

Several opposition figures have already begun reacting to the situation, with some suggesting that her exit could trigger new political realignments within the state.

Political commentators also note that her resignation may carry symbolic weight because of her family background and long-standing political visibility in the South-West region.

As the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, Iyabo Obasanjo remains a recognizable name in national politics despite spending years outside elective office.

Beyond politics, she is also known as an academic and epidemiologist based in the United States.

During her time in public office, she served as Senator representing Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011 and held positions in Ogun State’s health administration.

Her latest political move now raises questions about her next destination and whether she may align with another political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Some political observers speculate that she could either join an opposition coalition or maintain a strategic distance from partisan politics while observing developments within Ogun State. (Punch Newspapers)

For the APC, however, the resignation represents another test of internal cohesion at a time when political parties across Nigeria are already experiencing heightened maneuvering ahead of the next general elections.

With the 2027 political season gradually taking shape, analysts expect more defections, alliances, and power struggles to emerge across various states and party structures.

For now, Iyabo Obasanjo’s departure from the APC has become one of the most talked-about political developments in Ogun State, further intensifying discussions about leadership, inclusion, and the future direction of party politics in Nigeria.