Throughout my consultations ahead of the Ogun State governorship primaries under the All Progressives Congress (APC), I consistently advocated for consensus as a strategic pathway to reduce tension, prevent internal divisions, and position our party for electoral success in 2027.
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.
At the Ogun APC Caucus meeting held on April 13, 2026, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola was announced as the party’s consensus candidate. I immediately congratulated him and suspended all activities related to my gubernatorial aspiration, in line with my earlier pledge and my respect for party decisions.
However, it is important to reflect on aspects of the process that require improvement if we are to truly achieve the cohesion and inclusiveness that consensus is meant to promote.
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, acknowledgment 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 energized 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.
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.
— Senator (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo , Former Gubernatorial Aspirant, Ogun APC
