By Jude Opara with agency report
The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the conduct of its governorship primary process, insisting that former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo was treated fairly and given equal opportunities before her decision to leave the party.
Responding to allegations contained in Obasanjo’s resignation letter, the APC maintained that its internal processes were transparent, inclusive and conducted in line with democratic principles.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Femi Nuberu, the APC said Obasanjo was warmly received after joining from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shortly before the governorship primary and was afforded the same rights and privileges as other aspirants.
The party recalled that the primary process eventually produced a consensus candidate, an outcome that Obasanjo had publicly accepted and pledged to support in the interest of party unity and equitable power rotation within the state.
According to the APC, claims of intimidation, exclusion and unfair treatment were inconsistent with the circumstances surrounding her participation in the party’s activities. It argued that no aspirant was discriminated against and that all contestants operated on a level playing field.
The party further suggested that Obasanjo’s swift departure after failing to secure the governorship ticket could reinforce perceptions that her membership was driven more by electoral ambition than a long-term commitment to the party’s ideals.
While acknowledging her constitutional right to associate with any political platform of her choice, the APC noted that many leaders and aspirants who did not achieve their desired outcomes have remained within the party and continued to contribute to its growth and electoral prospects.
The ruling party emphasized that political participation requires patience, loyalty and respect for collective decisions, adding that democratic contests naturally produce both winners and losers.
Despite the disagreement, the APC wished Obasanjo success in her future political endeavours and reaffirmed its commitment to unity, inclusiveness and the continued strengthening of its structures in Ogun State.
