A war of words has erupted between Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election, and Iyabo Obasanjo, a former senator representing Ogun Central and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, over claims surrounding the refund of campaign expenses.
The disagreement centres on allegations that Iyabo Obasanjo demanded reimbursement for expenses she allegedly incurred while supporting Adeola’s political ambition.
The controversy became public after claims emerged suggesting that the former senator had requested the APC candidate to refund money she reportedly spent during his campaign activities.
Responding to the allegation, Adeola maintained that Iyabo Obasanjo had approached him to seek reimbursement for campaign-related expenses.
According to him, the request came after she had offered support during the campaign, insisting that the issue stemmed from her demand for repayment.
“You asked for money,” Adeola said, rejecting suggestions that the allegation was fabricated.
However, Iyabo Obasanjo strongly denied the claim, describing it as false and misleading.
She insisted that she had never sought financial compensation from the APC governorship candidate and dismissed the allegation as an attempt to tarnish her reputation.
“I don’t need anything from you,” Obasanjo said in response, maintaining that she neither requested nor expected any refund for campaign activities.
The former senator further argued that her political engagements have always been guided by principle rather than financial gain, stressing that she had no reason to seek reimbursement from Adeola.
The exchange has generated significant attention within Ogun State’s political circles, coming as political parties and aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of both political figures have taken to social media and other public platforms to defend their respective positions, further fueling debate over the controversy.
Political observers say the public disagreement highlights the growing tensions accompanying political realignments and campaign preparations in Ogun State.
Analysts also note that disputes over campaign financing and political alliances often become flashpoints during election seasons, particularly when prominent political figures publicly challenge one another’s accounts of past events.
Neither Adeola nor Obasanjo has indicated whether the disagreement will be pursued through legal channels, with both maintaining their respective positions on the matter.
As the controversy continues to unfold, attention is expected to remain on the political relationship between the two figures and its possible implications for the evolving political landscape in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The APC has yet to issue an official statement on the dispute, while political stakeholders continue to monitor developments surrounding the exchange between the governorship candidate and the former senator.
