Iyabo Obasanjo raises concerns over Ogun APC consensus process ahead of 2027 polls

Iyabo Obasanjo, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, has expressed reservations about the process that produced the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 general election.

Her concerns follow the April 13, 2026 announcement by Dapo Abiodun, who named Solomon Adeola, senator representing Ogun West, as the preferred governorship candidate of the APC. The decision was disclosed during a party caucus meeting held in Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun said the move came after extensive consultations within party leadership and was aimed at ensuring unity and continuity within the APC in Ogun State.

Obasanjo, daughter of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, had earlier suspended her governorship ambition following the emergence of Adeola as consensus candidate.

In a statement issued on Thursday, she reiterated her support for the consensus approach, describing it as a strategic mechanism to reduce internal tensions and strengthen party cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Throughout my consultations ahead of the Ogun State governorship primaries, I consistently advocated for consensus as a pathway to reduce tension, prevent internal divisions, and position our party for electoral success,” she said.

She added that she immediately congratulated Adeola and halted her campaign activities in line with her commitment to party unity.

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However, the former aspirant noted that certain developments before and during the caucus meeting undermined the inclusiveness expected of such an arrangement.

Obasanjo alleged that some of her supporters were denied entry into the venue of the meeting, while two individuals were reportedly assaulted by a party official.

“Such occurrences do not reflect the values of discipline, order, and mutual respect that our party represents,” she stated.

She also criticised what she described as the failure to recognise other aspirants present at the meeting, including herself and Tunde Lemo, despite their consultations and grassroots mobilisation efforts across the state.

While reaffirming her loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and her support for both Adeola’s candidacy and the administration of Bola Tinubu, Obasanjo urged party leaders to adopt a more inclusive approach going forward.

“True unity is not achieved by consensus alone, but through recognition, respect, and collective engagement,” she said, calling for broader participation and acknowledgment of all stakeholders in future party decisions.

Her remarks come amid growing tensions within the Ogun APC. Recently, Gbenga Daniel, senator representing Ogun East, alleged that he was prevented from attending a party caucus meeting in Ijebu Ode.

A viral video circulating on social media showed Daniel’s convoy being denied access to the Adeola Odutola Hall venue while the meeting was ongoing. Addressing supporters outside the premises, he questioned the legitimacy of decisions taken at the gathering.

Political observers say the developments point to underlying divisions within the Ogun APC despite efforts to project unity through consensus arrangements.

Obasanjo, however, maintained that she and her supporters remain committed to the party’s success, signaling a willingness to move forward while advocating reforms in internal processes.