APC chieftain dismisses Iyabo Obasanjo’s exit, backs Yayi’s 2027 governorship bid

A prominent figure within Ogun State's All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the significance of former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo's resignation from the ruling party. Bolaji Adeniji, Convener of the Ogun West Initiative, asserted that Obasanjo's departure would have no bearing on the APC's prospects in the upcoming 2027 governorship election.

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Sen Iyabo Obasanjo’s exit from the APC is inconsequential. She has no investment in the party, no stake in its growth, and no contribution to its electoral goodwill; therefore, her departure changes nothing and will not in any measure affect the fortunes of Yayi and the APC.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abeokuta, Adeniji addressed Obasanjo's exit, which followed her failure to secure the party's governorship ticket. Obasanjo had previously accused the party leadership of rejection, disrespect, and unfair treatment. Adeniji countered these claims by questioning Obasanjo's contributions to the APC's growth in Ogun State. He pointed out her alleged political inactivity for over 15 years and her recent entry into the APC less than six months prior to seeking the governorship ticket.

"Sen Iyabo Obasanjo’s exit from the APC is inconsequential," Adeniji stated. "She has no investment in the party, no stake in its growth, and no contribution to its electoral goodwill; therefore, her departure changes nothing and will not in any measure affect the fortunes of Yayi and the APC." He emphasized that the party remains united and focused on victory, refusing to be used as an "emergency platform of convenience" by individuals with self-serving agendas.

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The party remains strong, united, and focused on victory. The progressive party will not be treated as an emergency platform of convenience to pursue self-seeking ideologies at the expense of patriots who have laboured to build it and delivered good to the people.

Adeniji also defended the selection of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, known as Yayi, as the party's governorship candidate. He described the primary election process as transparent and historic, noting Yayi's broad support from party stakeholders, including Governor Dapo Abiodun and other influential leaders. Yayi was reportedly adopted as the consensus candidate and later returned with 304,055 votes, while his sole challenger received zero votes. Adeniji criticized the challenger's legal action against the primary outcome, deeming it meritless.

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Yayi was overwhelmingly adopted as the consensus governorship candidate of the party. He was subsequently returned as the party’s flagbearer with 304,055 votes, while his only challenger, Abayomi Hunye, polled zero votes. This is unprecedented and historic.