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ABEOKUTA – Former senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned her membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what she described as persistent disrespect, exclusion and lack of recognition for her contributions to the party.
In a resignation letter dated May 31, 2026 and addressed to the APC chairman in Ogun State, Obasanjo expressed gratitude for the reception she received upon joining the party but said recent events surrounding the party’s governorship nomination process left her feeling unwelcomed.
The former senator stated that before the emergence of the party’s consensus governorship candidate, she had publicly and privately pledged to abide by the party’s decision.
However, she alleged that the process leading to the selection of the candidate did not follow the spirit of the party’s guidelines on consensus building.
According to her, despite being a leading aspirant who had toured the state mobilising grassroots support for the APC, she was neither consulted nor acknowledged during the meeting where the consensus candidate was announced.
Obasanjo said she nevertheless accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and immediately wrote a letter endorsing the party’s choice.
She further disclosed that the consensus candidate later met with her and her supporters, during which certain requests were presented.
However, she claimed that despite assurances of a response within a week, she had not been contacted again after more than two months.
The former lawmaker said the incident reflected a broader pattern of treatment she had experienced within the party.
“This is just part of the general treatment I have received from APC of disrespect and rejection as if I was not there making contributions that increased support for the party in Ogun Central and across the state,” she wrote.
Announcing her decision to leave the party, Obasanjo stated that she could no longer remain in an environment where she felt unappreciated.
“A famous person once said that when disrespect is the only dish served, then one should leave the table. I am therefore leaving the APC table where I am not welcome. This is my resignation from the party,” she said.
Despite her departure, the former senator expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what she described as his warm reception, and also thanked the Ogun State APC leadership, including Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Chief Soremi, for their support and cordial relationship.
Obasanjo represented Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011.
