Iyabo Obasanjo Explains Exit from APC as PDP Formally Welcomes Her

Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has explained that her decision to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by what she described as the failure of the party’s consensus governorship candidate in Ogun State to honour commitments made to her and her political supporters.

Iyabo made the disclosure during an appearance on the *Morayo Show*, days after she was formally received into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State following her departure from the ruling party.

According to the former lawmaker, her exit from the APC was not a spontaneous decision but the outcome of growing dissatisfaction over what she considered a breach of trust after the party’s governorship primary process.

“I resigned from the APC because I was upset that the consensus candidate failed to keep the promises he made to me and my followers,” she said during the interview.

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Her comments provide fresh insight into the circumstances surrounding her resignation from the APC, where she had sought to secure the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the next election in Ogun State.

Iyabo had returned to active politics in January 2026 after a 15-year absence, joining the APC and declaring her intention to contest for governor. Her return generated significant interest within the state’s political landscape, given her previous experience in public office and her family name.

However, her governorship ambition suffered a setback after the APC adopted a consensus arrangement that produced another candidate. Shortly afterwards, she announced her resignation from the party on May 31, accusing its leadership of disrespect, betrayal and unfair treatment during the selection process.

While she had earlier cited those grievances in her resignation letter, her latest remarks suggest that the alleged failure to fulfil political commitments played a central role in her decision to sever ties with the APC.

On Wednesday, the Ogun State chapter of the PDP officially welcomed the former senator into its fold, describing her arrival as a major boost to the party’s preparations for future elections.

Party leaders expressed optimism that her political experience and influence would strengthen the PDP’s grassroots mobilisation and broaden its support base across the state.

Although Iyabo has not publicly disclosed her immediate political plans within the PDP, her defection is expected to reshape political calculations ahead of the next governorship contest in Ogun State.

Political analysts say the movement of high-profile figures between major political parties continues to underscore the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political landscape, where alliances and loyalties are often influenced by internal party dynamics and candidate selection processes.

The APC in Ogun State has yet to publicly respond to Iyabo’s latest claims regarding the alleged unfulfilled promises made by its consensus candidate.

Her move to the PDP adds another chapter to the ongoing realignment of political forces in the state, with both major parties expected to intensify consultations and grassroots engagement as preparations for future electoral contests gather momentum.