A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Bolaji Adeniji, has dismissed concerns over the resignation of former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo from the party, insisting that her departure will not weaken the APC’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.
Addressing journalists in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the convener of the Ogun West Initiative said the ruling party remains strong and united behind its governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
Adeniji’s comments followed Obasanjo’s recent decision to leave the APC after she failed to secure the party’s governorship ticket.
The former senator had alleged that she was subjected to unfair treatment, rejection and disrespect by the party leadership.
However, Adeniji argued that Obasanjo’s exit would have no meaningful political consequence for the APC. He maintained that she had not played any notable role in the growth of the party in Ogun State and therefore could not significantly influence its electoral fortunes.
According to him, it was unrealistic for a politician who had been largely absent from active politics for more than 15 years and had only joined the APC a few months before the primary election to expect the party’s governorship ticket ahead of long-standing members.
He said the APC could not be treated as a platform of convenience by individuals seeking to advance personal ambitions at the expense of loyal members who had spent years building and strengthening the party.
“Senator Iyabo Obasanjo’s departure is inconsequential to the APC. She has no investment in the party’s growth, no stake in its development and no contribution to its electoral success. Her exit changes nothing and will not affect the fortunes of Yayi or the APC in any way,” Adeniji stated.
The APC stalwart also defended the process that produced Adeola as the party’s governorship candidate, describing the primary election as transparent, peaceful and widely accepted across the state.
He noted that Adeola enjoyed the support of key stakeholders, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, former governors, former deputy governors, lawmakers and other influential figures within the party.
Adeniji said the consensus adoption of Yayi reflected the confidence party leaders and members had in his leadership capacity and electoral appeal.
“Yayi emerged as the consensus candidate of the APC and was later returned as the party’s flagbearer with 304,055 votes. His only challenger, Abayomi Hunye, received zero votes. The outcome was unprecedented and historic,” he said.
He also criticised Hunye’s decision to challenge the primary election result in court, arguing that the legal action lacked substance.
According to Adeniji, Hunye had little presence within the party structure and therefore could not credibly claim to have been unfairly treated during the primary process.
Despite the dispute, he urged the aggrieved aspirant to reconcile with the party and contribute to its efforts ahead of the next general election.
Adeniji further downplayed suggestions that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, could pose a major challenge to the APC in 2027.
He accused political opponents of reviving questions about Adeola’s indigeneship in a bid to undermine his growing popularity, insisting that the matter had long been settled.
Describing Adeola as a bona fide son of Yewa in Ogun State, Adeniji said critics should focus on policy debates rather than what he termed outdated allegations.
He portrayed the APC candidate as the most widely accepted governorship aspirant in the state, attributing his popularity to years of public service and political engagement.
“Yayi represents competence, progress and vision. His popularity across Ogun State is a product of years of dedication, service and tangible results,” Adeniji said.
Expressing optimism about the party’s prospects, he maintained that the APC remains cohesive and committed to retaining power in Ogun State in the 2027 governorship election while building on the achievements of the current administration.
