By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a one time Senator, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has withdrawn her membership from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Iyabo, a former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, cited what she described as persistent disrespect, exclusion and unfair treatment by the party leadership in the State.
The former representative of Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, who earlier indicated interest in vying for the governorship ticket of the APC, announced her resignation in a letter dated May 31, 2026 and addressed to the Ogun State Chairman of the party, Chief Yemi Sanusi, copy of which was made available to newsmen on Monday.
Former Senator Obasanjo
The former Senator faulted the consensus arrangement that produced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s governorship candidate, lamenting that she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was announced as the party’s consensus choice.
According to her, this was inspite of having agreed to support any candidate that emerged through a consensus process, just as she 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 concerns, Professor Obasanjo said she accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and publicly congratulated Adeola on the night he emerged as the consensus candidate.
The former senator disclosed that Adeola later requested a meeting with her supporters, during which three requests were presented to him which she said the guber candidate promised to respond to within a week but failed to do so more than two months after.
She described the development as part of a broader pattern of disregard for her contributions and standing within the party.
According to her, “I agreed to support whichever candidate emerged through a consensus process, but I was not consulted before Senator Adeola was presented as the consensus candidate.
“Some of my supporters were denied access to the venue and intimidated. Nevertheless, I accepted the outcome in the interest of party’s unity and publicly congratulated Senator Adeola that same night.
“The treatment I have received since then has reflected a consistent pattern of 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.
Obasanjo, notwithstanding, expressed her appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Ogun APC chairman, Chief Sanusi, and the Ogun Central Senatorial leadership led by Chief Soremi for the support and courtesy they extended to her during her time in the party.
Iyabo Obasanjo, it will be recalled, had previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007.
Sge returned to active politics earlier this year after registering as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
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