Iyabo Obasanjo, a former governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, has called on party leaders to ensure inclusiveness in the adoption of a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement on Thursday, Obasanjo said she had consistently supported the use of consensus during consultations before the party’s primaries, describing it as a strategy to reduce tension, prevent internal divisions, and strengthen the party’s chances in the next election cycle.
She noted that she accepted the outcome of the consensus arrangement and congratulated Solomon Adeola after he emerged as the party’s preferred governorship candidate at an APC caucus meeting held on April 13, 2026, in Abeokuta. She added that she subsequently halted her campaign activities in line with her earlier commitment.
However, Obasanjo stressed that the consensus process should not exclude or overlook aspirants who stepped down in the interest of party unity after investing time and resources in their campaigns.
She also alleged that some of her supporters were denied entry to the caucus meeting and that two were physically assaulted by a party functionary, requiring medical treatment. She said the incident did not reflect the discipline and mutual respect expected within the party.
The former senator, who represented Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011, further said that while some aspirants from a particular senatorial district were acknowledged during the meeting, she and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo, were not recognised despite extensive consultations across the state.
Obasanjo emphasised that consensus arrangements should promote unity by recognising the contributions of all stakeholders and giving party members a sense of belonging.
Despite her reservations, she reaffirmed her loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for Adeola’s candidacy as well as for Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She urged party leaders to adopt a more inclusive approach as preparations continue for future nominations and campaigns, noting that the experience and grassroots networks built by aspirants across the state remain valuable to the party’s electoral prospects.
