By Our Correspondent
ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly refuted allegations made by former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo in her resignation letter, insisting that she was treated fairly and granted equal opportunities throughout her brief membership of the party.
Senator Obasanjo, who formally resigned from the APC in a letter dated May 31, 2026, cited alleged disrespect, intimidation of her supporters, and dissatisfaction with the party's internal processes as reasons for her departure.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ogun State APC dismissed the claims as inconsistent with the facts surrounding her participation in the party, maintaining that she was accorded the same rights, privileges, and opportunities available to every other aspirant.
The statement, signed by the party's Publicity Secretary, Comrade Femi Nuberu, emphasized that the APC remains committed to democratic principles, transparency, inclusiveness, and freedom of association, stressing that every member retains the right to make personal political decisions.
According to the party, Senator Obasanjo was welcomed into its fold from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) only weeks before the commencement of the governorship primary election and was allowed to participate fully in all activities leading to the selection of the party's candidate.
The APC recalled that the governorship process eventually produced a consensus candidate, an arrangement that Senator Obasanjo publicly endorsed at the time. The party noted that she had pledged her support for the consensus decision in the interest of party unity, inclusiveness, and the aspiration of a region of Ogun State that had yet to produce a governor.
"The assertions contained in her resignation letter do not reflect the realities of her experience within the party," the APC stated, insisting that there was no discrimination, exclusion, or intimidation throughout the exercise.
The party further argued that Senator Obasanjo's decision to leave barely weeks after joining the APC lends credibility to the view that her membership was primarily driven by the desire to secure the party's governorship ticket rather than a long-term commitment to its ideology and objectives.
According to the statement, the APC finds it difficult to justify allegations of unfair treatment given that she was accorded every opportunity available to other aspirants despite her recent entry into the party.
The ruling party also pointed to the conduct of several respected leaders and aspirants who, despite failing to secure their preferred outcomes during internal contests, have remained loyal and supportive of the APC.
It stressed that politics is built on loyalty, patience, sacrifice, and commitment to shared values, noting that democratic contests naturally produce winners and losers.
"True party faithful are distinguished by their willingness to remain committed to the collective cause irrespective of personal outcomes," the statement said.
The APC further maintained that politics should be driven by collective ideals and democratic principles rather than individual ambition, adding that many party members who did not achieve their political objectives have continued to work for the party's growth and electoral success.
The party also questioned the timing of Senator Obasanjo's resignation, noting that aspects of the governorship primary process were still ongoing when she announced her departure.
"It is difficult to reconcile claims of unmet conditions and grievances with the fact that some of the party's internal processes were still underway at the time of her resignation," the statement added.
While expressing disappointment over her exit, the APC said it respects Senator Obasanjo's constitutional right to associate with any political platform of her choice.
The party wished the former senator success in her future political endeavors and reaffirmed its commitment to unity, inclusiveness, and the continued growth and success of the APC in Ogun State ahead of future electoral contests.
The statement was signed by Comrade Femi Nuberu, Publicity Secretary of the Ogun State APC, and dated June 9, 2026.
