Iyabo Obasanjo Quits APC, Says Rejection and Disrespect Forced Her Out

Iyabo Obasanjo has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that persistent disrespect, rejection, and unfair treatment by party leaders in Ogun State forced her decision to leave.

The former senator and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo announced her resignation in a letter dated May 31, stating that despite her loyalty and sacrifices for party unity, she increasingly felt unwelcome within the party structure.

Iyabo Obasanjo Says Respect Was Missing Despite Loyalty

Iyabo Obasanjo said she accepted the APC’s consensus arrangement that produced Senator Solomon Adeola as the party’s governorship candidate for Ogun State, even though she believed the process did not adequately involve all aspirants. She maintained that she respected the party’s decision in the interest of unity and immediately suspended her own governorship ambition after the announcement.

However, she alleged that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the consensus candidate was unveiled and that others were intimidated or assaulted. She further claimed that efforts to engage with the eventual candidate yielded no meaningful response, reinforcing what she described as a broader pattern of neglect and disrespect.

Iyabo Obasanjo’s Exit Marks Dramatic Political Turnaround

The resignation is particularly striking because Iyabo Obasanjo only returned to active politics earlier this year after spending more than a decade away from partisan activities. She had publicly explained that she joined the APC because party members were among the few political associates who maintained contact with her during her years outside active politics.

In her resignation letter, she used a memorable phrase to explain her departure, stating that when disrespect becomes the only dish being served, it is time to leave the table. Despite her criticisms, she expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some APC leaders for the support and courtesies extended to her during her time in the party.

Iyabo Obasanjo’s exit is likely to fuel fresh discussions about internal democracy, inclusiveness, and the management of political ambitions within Nigeria’s major parties. With preparations for the 2027 elections already gathering momentum, attention will now turn to her next political move and whether her departure signals deeper cracks within the Ogun APC.