Consensus: Iyabo Obasanjo seeks fairness in Ogun APC power shift

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, a former governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, has said the adoption of a consensus arrangement to produce the party’s governorship candidate should not be implemented without due consideration for other party members who sacrificed their ambitions to align with the party’s decision.

In a statement on Thursday, Obasanjo said that throughout her consultations ahead of the party’s governorship primaries, she consistently advocated consensus as a strategic pathway to reduce tension, prevent internal divisions, and position the ruling party for electoral success in 2027.

She said, “I made it clear that I would abide by the outcome of any consensus arrangement, regardless of its direction, and I have remained true to that commitment.”

Obasanjo explained that in line with this conviction, she promptly congratulated the party’s consensus governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, after the party’s caucus meeting held on April 13, 2026, at its secretariat in Abeokuta, while also halting all her gubernatorial campaigns.

She, however, noted that consensus should not shut the door against inclusiveness and adequate recognition for those who had invested their time and resources in pursuing one aspiration or another but had to step down to preserve party cohesion and unity.

The former senator, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, also lamented the alleged maltreatment of some of her supporters during the APC caucus meeting, saying some of them were attacked and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.

Obasanjo further stated that while some governorship aspirants from a particular senatorial district were duly recognised during the strategic caucus meeting that produced Adeola as the party’s consensus governorship candidate, she and a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tunde Lemo, were not acknowledged despite their extensive consultations and engagements across the state.

She added that if consensus is meant to promote unity and oneness, it must be pursued in a manner that encourages inclusivity and gives everyone a sense of belonging.

The former Commissioner for Health, however, insisted that despite her reservations over how the party handled the consensus arrangement, her loyalty to the party and commitment to achieving 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.

“During the proceedings, acknowledgement 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 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 commitment and belief in this vision contributed meaningfully 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 experience, network, and goodwill, particularly across Ogun Central and other parts of the state, remain valuable assets in strengthening our collective electoral prospects.”

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 us move forward with fairness, inclusion, and shared purpose, so that every stakeholder feels valued in this journey toward victory.”