Former Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress, bringing an end to her brief return to active partisan politics under the ruling party.
The former Ogun Central senator announced her resignation in a letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi. A copy of the letter was made available to journalists on Monday.
Obasanjo, a United States-based Associate Professor of Epidemiology, had recently sought the APC governorship ticket in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.
What Led To Iyabo Obasanjo’s Exit From APC?
In her resignation letter, Obasanjo cited what she described as persistent rejection, disrespect, and unfair treatment by the party’s leadership in Ogun State.
She specifically criticised the consensus process that produced Solomon Adeola as the APC governorship candidate, arguing that the process did not align with the party’s established guidelines.
According to her, despite agreeing beforehand to support any candidate who emerged through a consensus arrangement, she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was eventually announced as the consensus candidate.
She further alleged that some of her supporters were denied entry to the venue where the candidate was unveiled and were subjected to intimidation.
Speaking on the situation, Obasanjo stated:
“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 unity and publicly congratulated Senator Adeola that same night.
She revealed that after Adeola emerged as the party’s candidate, he requested a meeting with her supporters. During that meeting, three requests were presented to him, and he reportedly promised to respond within one week.
However, according to Obasanjo, no response was received more than two months later.
She said:
“Following his emergence, Senator Adeola requested a meeting with my supporters. During that meeting, three requests were made and he promised to respond within one week. More than two months later, no response has been received.
Obasanjo added that the experience reflected what she viewed as a broader pattern of disregard toward her within the party.
“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.”
Her Political Journey And Appreciation To Party Leaders
Despite her grievances, Obasanjo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, APC chairman Yemi Sanusi, and members of the Ogun Central Senatorial leadership led by Chief Soremi for the support and courtesy extended to her during her time in the party.
Obasanjo 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.
Before then, she had served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007 and later represented Ogun Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.
Following her unsuccessful re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States and largely stayed away from partisan politics for more than a decade.
Speculation about her political comeback began in late 2025 when campaign billboards bearing her image surfaced across Abeokuta, signaling renewed interest in the Ogun governorship race ahead of the 2027 elections.
She later officially declared her ambition to contest for governor under the APC before eventually announcing her resignation from the party.
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