Ex-Senator Iyabo Obasanjo Resigns from Nigeria's APC, Citing Disrespect

Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, a former senator for Ogun Central and daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) party. Her departure stems from what she describes as continuous disrespect, rejection, and unfair treatment by the state leadership of the APC in Ogun State.

Obasanjo, who recently vied for the APC governorship ticket, detailed her grievances in a letter dated May 31 addressed to the state APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi. As an Associate Professor of Epidemiology based in the United States, she specifically criticized the consensus process that resulted in Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) becoming the party's governorship candidate. Obasanjo argued that this process was inconsistent with the APC's established guidelines.

“

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 explained that despite her prior commitment to abide by any consensus arrangement, she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was declared the consensus candidate. Furthermore, she alleged that some of her supporters faced intimidation and were prevented from attending the venue where the candidate was unveiled. Although she publicly congratulated Adeola and accepted the party's decision for the sake of unity, subsequent events led to her resignation.

“

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 revealed that Senator Adeola had requested a meeting with her supporters, during which three specific requests were presented. Adeola reportedly promised a response within a week, but more than two months passed without any feedback. "The treatment I have received since then has reflected a consistent pattern of rejection and disrespect," Obasanjo stated. "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."

Despite her resignation, Obasanjo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Chief Sanusi, and the Ogun Central Senatorial leadership for their support during her time with 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.