- Safiu Kehinde
Former Ogun state lawmaker, Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo has made known her demands from the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before supporting the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 Governorship Election, Sen. Adeola Olamilekan (Yayi).
Obasanjo, who withdrew from the governorship race following Yayi’s emergence as the party’s candidate, made her demands known in a statement issued on her official X handle on Thursday.
Reflecting on the Ogun APC Caucus Meeting where the consensus candidate was announced, the ex-lawmaker affirmed her acceptance of Adeola’s candidacy.
She however harped on the need for mutual respect as she alleged that her supporters were denied entry with some of them injured at the meeting venue in Abeokuta.
“At the Ogun APC Caucus meeting held on April 13, 2026, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola was announced as the party’s consensus candidate.
“I immediately congratulated him and suspended all activities related to my gubernatorial aspiration, in line with my earlier pledge and my respect for party decisions.
“However, it is important to reflect on aspects of the process that require improvement if we are to truly achieve the cohesion and inclusiveness that consensus is meant to promote.
“On the day of the meeting, some of my supporters were denied entry and regrettably, two were physically assaulted by a party functionary.
“While I chose not to escalate the situation in the interest of party unity, the incident required medical attention for those affected.
“Such occurrences do not reflect the values of discipline, order and mutual respect that our party represents.” She said.
Obasanjo further claimed that the party failed to acknowledge her and one other aspirant while recognising aspirants who stepped down for Adeola.
“During the proceedings, acknowledgment was given to certain aspirants who stepped down, particularly from one zone.
“However, other candidates across the state, including myself and Mr. Tunde Lemo, who were present in the hall, were not acknowledged, despite our extensive consultations and the strong grassroots momentum we generated across Ogun State.
“My campaign was built on direct engagement with party leaders, local government structures and ward members, an approach that energized our base across Ogun Central, Ogun East, and Ogun West.
“This momentum was further strengthened by the steadfast support of the Iyaniwura Foundation and thousands of loyal supporters across the state and beyond.
“Their commitment and belief in this vision contributed meaningfully to the party’s growing strength and deserved recognition as part of our collective efforts.” She wrote.
The former lawmaker who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011 demanded inclusivity and acknowledgment of all aspirants.
She expressed readiness to support Adeola alongside her supporters.
“Going forward, I respectfully urge our party leadership at all levels to embrace a more inclusive approach, one that acknowledges the contributions of all aspirants and carries everyone along.
“True unity is not achieved by consensus alone, but through recognition, respect and collective engagement. As we prepare for the next phase of nominations and campaigning, my supporters and I remain ready to contribute meaningfully to the party’s success.
“Our experience, network and goodwill, particularly across Ogun Central and other parts of the state, remain valuable assets in strengthening our collective electoral prospects.” She said.
Obasanjo reiterated her loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
“That said, my loyalty to the APC remains unwavering. I am not defecting and I will continue to support the success of our party, including the candidacy of Senator Adeola.
“I also reaffirm my support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, which continues to deliver critical infrastructure and development to Ogun State.” The ex-lawmaker said.
Obasanjo concluded with two Yrouba adage while reaffirming her call for fairness, inclusion and shared purpose.
“I leave us with two Yoruba reflections: “Bi a ba dakẹ́, tiwa a dakẹ́” — If one remains silent, even their own may remain silent with them.
““Bí a bá fẹ́ gba nkan lọwọ ọmọ, a gbọdọ̀ fi nkan rọ́pò rẹ̀” — Even when taking something from a child one must offer something in return.
“Let us move forward with fairness, inclusion, and shared purpose, so that every stakeholder feels valued in this journey toward victory.” She added.