Ogun APC Aspirant, Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo Dumps Party, Cites Marginalisation and Disrespect in Ogun

Former Senator representing Ogun Central and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), blaming the party's Ogun State leadership for what she described as persistent disrespect, unfair treatment, and marginalisation.

In a resignation letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, Obasanjo-Bello said her decision followed a series of events surrounding the party’s governorship selection process ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former lawmaker, who recently sought the APC governorship ticket in Ogun State, criticised the consensus arrangement that produced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s preferred candidate. According to her, she was neither consulted nor carried along despite publicly committing herself to any consensus decision reached by the party.

She also alleged that some of her supporters were prevented from gaining access to the venue where Adeola was officially unveiled and were subjected to intimidation.

According to Obasanjo-Bello, Senator Adeola later requested a meeting with her supporters, during which three key demands were presented. She claimed he promised to respond within one week, but more than two months later, no feedback had been received.

"The treatment I have received reflects a consistent pattern of rejection and disrespect. When disrespect is the only dish served, one should leave the table. I am therefore leaving the APC table where I am not welcomed," she stated in the letter.

Despite her grievances, the former senator expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ogun State APC chairman, and the leadership of the Ogun Central Senatorial District for the courtesies extended to her during her time in the party.

Obasanjo-Bello only returned to active partisan politics earlier this year after registering as a member of the APC in Ward 11, Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. Her political comeback, signalled by the appearance of campaign billboards across Abeokuta in late 2025, had fuelled speculation about her ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election.

A medical doctor by training, Obasanjo-Bello previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007 before representing Ogun Central in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.

Her resignation is expected to generate fresh political discussions in Ogun State as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.