(Iyabo Obasanjo. photo by X.com)
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, a former candidate for governor on the All Progressives Congress platform in Ogun State, has stated that other party members who gave up their aspirations to support the party’s choice should be given due consideration before a consensus arrangement to select the party’s candidate for governor is adopted.
Obasanjo said in a statement on Thursday that she continuously promoted consensus as a tactical approach to ease tensions, avoid internal divides, and set up the ruling party for political success in 2027 during her talks prior to the party’s governorship primary.
She said, “I have stayed true to that commitment, and I made it clear that I would abide by the outcome of any consensus arrangement, regardless of its direction.”
According to Obasanjo, following the party’s caucus meeting on April 13, 2026, at its secretariat in Abeokuta, she immediately congratulated Senator Solomon Adeola, the party’s consensus candidate for governor, while also ending all of her gubernatorial efforts.
However, she pointed out that reaching a consensus shouldn’t prevent inclusivity and proper acknowledgment for individuals who had dedicated their time and resources to pursuing a particular goal but were forced to resign in order to maintain party unity and cohesiveness.
The former senator, who served as the representative for Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011, also bemoaned the alleged mistreatment of some of her followers during the APC caucus meeting, claiming that some of them were assaulted and required hospitalization for treatment.
Obasanjo added that although some candidates for governorship from a specific senatorial district were duly acknowledged during the strategic caucus meeting that resulted in Adeola as the party’s consensus candidate, she and Dr. Tunde Lemo, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, were not acknowledged despite their extensive consultations and engagements throughout the state.
Consensus must be approached in a way that promotes inclusivity and provides everyone a sense of belonging, she continued, if it is to foster harmony and oneness.
Despite her disapproval of the party’s handling of the consensus agreement, the former Commissioner for Health maintained that her allegiance to the party and dedication to securing a landslide victory for both Adeola and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections remained sacrosanct.
Obasanjo said, “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.
Throughout the ceremonies, recognition was paid 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 energised 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 dedication to and faith in this idea made a significant contribution to the party’s growing strength and deserved recognition as part of our collective efforts. 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.
“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 network, experience, and goodwill continue to be important assets in bolstering our collective electoral prospects, especially throughout Ogun Central and other parts of the state.”
She added, “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’s proceed with equity, inclusivity, and a common goal so that each and every stakeholder feels appreciated on this path to success.”