Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party’s leadership in Ogun State of exclusion, marginalisation, and lack of internal democracy in the handling of the 2027 governorship race.
Her resignation, confirmed on Monday, June 8, 2026, was contained in a letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi. She said her decision followed what she described as sustained political neglect after joining the ruling party only months earlier to pursue a governorship ambition.
Explaining her exit, Obasanjo said she could no longer remain in a system where she felt sidelined.
“As I stated in my letter to the leadership of the party, when disrespect is the only dish served, then one should leave the table,” she told journalists.
She said she initially joined the APC in late 2025 to build support for a 2027 governorship bid but became increasingly dissatisfied with internal processes in the state chapter.
The immediate trigger for her resignation was the party’s reported consensus arrangement for the Ogun 2027 governorship ticket, which favoured Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as “Yayi.”
Obasanjo alleged that she was excluded from key consultations and that the process that produced the consensus candidate did not follow agreed internal guidelines.
She further claimed that her supporters were prevented from accessing the venue where the decision was concluded, describing the process as unfair and lacking transparency.
According to her, she initially accepted the outcome publicly in the interest of party unity, despite reservations about the process.
She also revealed that a follow-up meeting was later promised by the consensus camp to address concerns raised by her faction, including issues of representation and grassroots inclusion.
However, she said no feedback was received months after the meeting was proposed, a development she described as a sign of continued neglect.
“The senator promised to respond to us within a week,” she said. “But more than two months later, no feedback has been received.”
The Ogun State APC has yet to issue an official response to her resignation.
Political observers say the exit of a high-profile figure at this stage of the election cycle could deepen internal divisions within the party and reshape early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections in Ogun State.
Obasanjo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and other national leaders for the opportunity to participate in the party before her departure.
