Obasanjo’s daughter quits APC, alleges marginalisation over Ogun governorship ticket process

Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, a former senator representing Ogun Central and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what she described as persistent marginalisation, unfair treatment and lack of respect by the party’s leadership in Ogun State.

Her resignation, contained in a letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi, marks a dramatic end to her brief return to partisan politics after rejoining the ruling party earlier this year.

Obasanjo-Bello, who had sought the APC governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, expressed dissatisfaction with the process that produced Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s preferred candidate through a consensus arrangement.

According to her, despite publicly committing herself to any consensus decision reached by the party, she was neither consulted nor involved in the process that eventually led to Adeola’s emergence.

In the resignation letter, the former lawmaker accused party leaders of sidelining her and her supporters during critical stages of the selection process.

She alleged that some of her loyalists were denied access to the venue where Adeola was formally presented as the consensus candidate and were subjected to intimidation.

Obasanjo-Bello further disclosed that after Adeola emerged as the party’s preferred aspirant, he sought a meeting with her supporters during which several requests were tabled before him.

According to her, the senator promised to respond to the requests within one week, but more than two months later, no communication had been received.

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She said the incident reinforced what she described as a longstanding pattern of exclusion and disregard for her contributions within the party.

“The treatment I have received reflects a consistent pattern of rejection and disrespect. When disrespect is the only dish served, one should leave the table. I am therefore leaving the APC table where I am not welcomed,” she stated.

Despite her grievances, Obasanjo-Bello expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Chief Sanusi and the APC leadership in Ogun Central Senatorial District for the courtesies extended to her during her time in the party.

Her departure is expected to generate fresh political discussions within Ogun State, especially as political realignments begin ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

Obasanjo-Bello returned to active politics earlier in 2026 when she officially registered with the APC in Ward 11, Ibogun, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Her return attracted considerable attention given her political pedigree and previous public service record

She served as Commissioner for Health in Ogun State between 2003 and 2007 before representing Ogun Central in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.

Her political comeback gained further momentum in late 2025 when campaign billboards bearing her image appeared across parts of Abeokuta, fueling speculation about her governorship ambition.

However, her sudden resignation from the APC has now cast uncertainty over her next political move and whether she will seek another platform to pursue her gubernatorial aspiration ahead of the 2027 elections.