Iyabo Obasanjo reportedly joins party
Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and other leaders have stressed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must embrace inclusive reforms, strengthen internal democracy and entrench merit-based leadership.

In Ogun State, the first daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof Iyabo Obasanjo, yesterday, reportedly completed her e-registration at Ibogun, Ward 11 of Ifo Local Council as an APC member.

According to the Ondo governor, political parties endure not only by winning elections but also by building strong internal institutions.

He disclosed this while leading proceedings at the APC South-West Zonal Public Hearing on Constitution amendments at the Government House Banquet Hall, Akure.

While commending the National Executive Committee (NEC) for constituting the APC Constitution Amendment Committee under the directive of President Bola Tinubu to review and strengthen the 2022 Constitution (as amended), Aiyedatiwa described the decision as one rooted in statesmanship and foresight, as well as commitment to democratic principles.

The APC leaders also lauded the chairman, members and secretariat of the Constitution Amendment Committee for their diligence, as well as delegates and stakeholders whose memoranda and submissions, he said, would enrich the process and shape its outcomes.

On his part, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat, urged delegates to view the reforms as a tool for consolidating APC’s democratic credentials, strengthening internal cohesion and safeguarding equitable representation across gender, age and special interest groups.

The Ondo APC caretaker chairman, Ade Adetimehin, who cited the recent defection of the former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, pledged that in the 2027 elections, the state would not only replicate its previous performance but also double the votes delivered to the party.

A member of the Constitution Amendment Committee representing the South-East, Miriam Onuoha, said the committee was constituted under the party’s national leadership, alongside governors, including the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).

APC National Vice-Chairman (South-West), Dr Isaac Kekemeke, who encouraged members to participate actively in the ongoing e-registration exercise, urged delegates to deliberate on party membership, financial contributions, candidate selection and mechanisms for protecting the interests of women, youth and special groups.

He underscored the need to harmonise multiple versions of the APC constitution to eliminate confusion within the National Working Committee (NWC).

Former Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Council and one of Prof Obasanjo’s closest allies, Biodun Ajayi, confirmed the defection yesterday.

Ajayi, who currently serves as a commissioner in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said: “I can confirm to you that Prof Iyabo Obasanjo on Tuesday at Ibogun Ward 11 of Ifo Local Government completed her online registration as a member of our great party, the APC.”

When contacted, Ogun APC Director of Publicity, Femi Nuberu, neither denied nor confirmed the registration.