Former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Iyabo Obasanjo, has declared that she will remain in the party despite the emergence of a consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
Obasanjo made the declaration during an interview with journalists, following the selection of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as “Yayi,” as the party’s flagbearer in Ogun State.
She said she had participated in the APC governorship race on the understanding that consensus-building was the preferred method to reduce internal conflict and strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 elections. According to her, she had earlier pledged to abide by whatever decision emerged from the process.
However, she expressed concern over how the consensus arrangement was handled, alleging that some aspirants and their supporters were not treated fairly during the selection process.
Obasanjo, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, claimed that some of her supporters were attacked during a party meeting where the consensus decision was reached. She said two individuals required medical attention after the incident.
She also noted that neither she nor another aspirant, Tunde Lemo, was acknowledged during the meeting, despite what she described as significant consultations and engagement with party stakeholders across the state.
According to her, the governor had encouraged some aspirants from certain zones to step down for Adeola, while other candidates were not formally recognised during the proceedings.
Despite her reservations, Obasanjo said she immediately congratulated Adeola after the announcement and halted all campaign activities in line with party directives. She also confirmed that Adeola later reached out to her in a gesture of reconciliation.
She reiterated her loyalty to the APC and dismissed any suggestion that she would defect to another political party. She also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying his administration has delivered progress in infrastructure and governance.
However, she urged party leaders in Ogun State to adopt a more inclusive approach moving forward, stressing that proper recognition of all aspirants would help strengthen unity and morale within the party.
Obasanjo added that an inclusive political process remains essential for building cohesion and ensuring electoral success, warning that exclusionary practices could weaken internal support structures ahead of future elections.
