Yayi and Iyabo Obasanjo Clash Over Campaign Money

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 election in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, and former APC aspirant, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, had a heated exchange on Sunday. This was over claims that she wanted her campaign expenses refunded.

Adeola, who is also known as Yayi and chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, said in a statement from his media adviser, Kayode Odunaro, that Obasanjo recently accused him of not keeping a promise to refund her campaign costs. She claimed this was the reason she left the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party.

Adeola called her claim insulting. He said it showed that Obasanjo, who has now joined the PDP and is the party’s Ogun Central senatorial candidate for the 2027 election, is more interested in the state’s funds than in serving the people.

He made these comments while speaking to the Council of Iyalajes and Babaalajes (market leaders) in Remoland at his office in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area. He stated that Obasanjo’s demand indicated that she sees the 2027 governorship race as a way to recoup her investment rather than a chance to serve the people of Ogun State.

“They are driven by personal interest and not the interest of Ogun State. Their intentions are clear. They do not mean well for our state. They are bitter and looking for the state’s purse,” Adeola said.

He continued, “One of them said I offended her. She claimed I did not keep my promises. She said she wanted me to refund her expenses in dollars and naira. Did I ask her to join the governorship race?” Adeola asked.

The APC governorship candidate explained that he visited Obasanjo to consult and reconcile with party members, believing she genuinely wanted to help govern the state. However, he later felt that her interest was more personal.

“Requesting a refund for your campaign expenses is insulting to me. You left the party not because of any wrongdoing against you, but because you were offered money. You are not truly a party person. You just want to benefit personally. You do not mean well for Ogun State,” Adeola said.

The senator claimed that after failing to get what she wanted from him and the APC, Obasanjo turned to the PDP’s governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, for similar personal gains. He hinted that more details would be revealed soon, describing her public statements as evidence of her political dishonesty.

Adeola also spoke about the legal issues surrounding his candidacy, saying his opponents were behind the lawsuit against him. He insisted that those challenging his nomination would not succeed due to significant legal obstacles.

“According to current legal rules and court rulings, politicians who switch parties after May 10, 2026, cannot contest the upcoming election. We all know when they left the APC for the PDP. Anyone who crossed over after that date is just wasting their time,” he said.

He claimed that the PDP does not currently have valid legal status as a party. “I can confidently say they do not exist right now. They have two factions in court, and no one is recognized. It could go either way in the coming days,” he said.

In response, Obasanjo labeled Adeola a liar who lacks integrity. She questioned why he continued to call her and then offered her money to stay in the APC if he found her refund request insulting.

The epidemiologist noted that during their last meeting, her team made three requests, but Adeola did not fulfill any of them nor communicate further. “My supporters asked him for three things: a Senate seat, a refund of my expenses, and inclusion of my people in his campaign,” she said.

“I told him I would explain whatever he came back with. He did none of the three demands and did not speak to me again until he called after I left the party and offered me money. If he thought it was insulting, why offer me money to keep me from leaving?” she asked.

Obasanjo had earlier indicated her return to politics in January by registering as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. She later resigned, citing maltreatment and lack of respect from the party's leadership in a letter dated May 31, and joined the PDP as its Ogun Central senatorial candidate for the 2027 election.

The US-based Associate Professor of Epidemiology criticized the process that made Adeola the APC governorship candidate, calling it inconsistent with the party's guidelines. She claimed she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was named as the candidate.

Obasanjo also alleged that some of her supporters were not allowed into the venue during the candidate's unveiling and were intimidated. The former Commissioner for Health from 2003 to 2007 and senator for Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011 moved to the US in 2011 after losing her re-election bid. She stayed mostly out of politics until late last year when her billboards appeared across Abeokuta, signaling her return.