A leader of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Bolaji Adeniji, has brushed off the resignation of former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo from the ruling party.
Adeniji said her leaving will not affect the APC’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.
During a media briefing in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Adeniji stated that the former senator's exit would not harm the party’s candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who is better known as Yayi.
Iyabo Obasanjo stepped down from the APC after she could not get the party’s governorship ticket. She accused the party leaders of showing her rejection, disrespect, and unfair treatment.
In response to her resignation, Adeniji claimed that Iyabo had not contributed much to the success of the APC in Ogun State.
He questioned how someone who had not been active in politics for over 15 years and joined the APC less than six months ago could expect to win the party’s governorship ticket over long-time members who had invested their time and resources in the party.
“Sen Iyabo Obasanjo’s exit from the APC is inconsequential. She has no investment in the party, no stake in its growth, and no contribution to its electoral goodwill; therefore, her departure changes nothing and will not in any measure affect the fortunes of Yayi and the APC,” he said.
“The party remains strong, united, and focused on victory. The progressive party will not be treated as an emergency platform to promote self-serving interests at the expense of those who have worked hard to build it and serve the people,” Adeniji added.
Adeniji also supported Yayi's nomination as the party’s governorship candidate. He described the primary election process as open, peaceful, and historic.
He noted that Adeola received wide support from party members across the state, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, former governors, deputy governors, lawmakers, and other key party figures.
“Yayi was overwhelmingly adopted as the consensus governorship candidate of the party. He was later confirmed as the party’s candidate with 304,055 votes, while his only rival, Abayomi Hunye, got zero votes. This is unprecedented and historic,” he said.
Adeniji criticized Hunye for taking the primary election results to court, saying the legal move was baseless.
“It is unfortunate that Hunye, who has no structure in any ward in the state and cannot claim to have any following among party members, will say he was cheated in the primaries,” he said.
He urged the disappointed candidate to return to the party and work towards its success in the 2027 election.
He also rejected claims that the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, was a serious threat to Adeola’s chances in the election.
He accused political opponents of bringing up debates about Yayi’s roots to gain political mileage, insisting that the matter had already been settled.
“Yayi is a true son of Yewa, Ogun State. Anyone who refuses to engage him on policy and programs but instead clings to old allegations is just making a fool of themselves,” Adeniji said.
He described Yayi as the most popular governorship candidate in the state and called on the people to support him.
“Yayi represents competence, vision, and progress. His popularity and acceptance across the state are real; they came from years of service, dedication, and results,” he stated.
Adeniji expressed confidence that the APC would keep power in Ogun State in 2027, saying the party remains united and ready to build on its achievements in government.
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