Iyabo Obasanjo, a former senator representing Ogun Central, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a lack of respect from the party. Ms Obasanjo, who was a governorship aspirant on the APC platform, announced her departure in a statement on Monday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Her resignation letter, dated 31 May, was addressed to the Ogun State APC chairperson, Yemi Sanusi.
The politician, who is the first daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said the decision followed extensive consultations and careful reflection on developments within the party. She emphasized that she joined the APC in good faith and worked diligently to strengthen grassroots support across her senatorial districts and other parts of the state.
Short Tenure and Governorship Bid
Her exit from the party came barely six months after joining and two months after losing her bid to become the APC governorship candidate. In February, Ms Obasanjo declared her interest in running for Ogun State governor. However, in April, the party adopted Ogun East Senator Solomon Adeola as the consensus governorship candidate.
According to her, she remained committed to internal democracy, fairness, and mutual respect throughout her governorship aspiration. She said she accepted the party's consensus arrangement in the interest of unity and subsequently engaged constructively with the chosen candidate.
Statement on Disrespect
"However, my contributions, sacrifices, and the aspirations of my supporters were not adequately recognised. After deep reflection and wide consultations, I have formally communicated my decision to resign my membership of the APC. 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 said.
Ms Obasanjo appreciated President Bola Tinubu and other party leaders for the courtesies extended to her during her membership. She reaffirmed her commitment to service, justice, fairness, and the continued development of Ogun and Nigeria.
Political Background
Ms Obasanjo was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a Nigerian senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in April 2007. She ran for re-election in April 2011 but lost. She recently returned to partisan politics after about 15 years and joined the ruling APC. Her resignation marks another twist in her political career.
