ABEOKUTA – The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), has described as “insulting” the demand allegedly made by former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello for the refund of campaign expenses incurred during the APC governorship race.
Speaking while hosting members of the Council of Iyalajes and Babaalajes (Market Leaders) in Remoland at his senatorial office in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area, Senator Adeola said the alleged request exposed what he described as the former senator’s personal motive for participating in the governorship contest.
According to him, Obasanjo-Bello’s recent claim that she left the APC because he failed to fulfil an alleged promise to reimburse her campaign expenses clearly showed that her interest in the race was driven by financial considerations rather than service to Ogun State.
“Their intention is driven by personal interest and not the interest of Ogun State. They don’t mean well for our dear state. One of them said I offended her because I refused to refund her campaign expenses in dollars and naira. Did I ask her to join the governorship race?” Adeola asked.
The senator explained that he had approached Obasanjo-Bello during his consultations with party stakeholders because he regarded her as a respected daughter of Ogun State who genuinely desired the state’s progress.
However, he said he later realised that her interest was not centred on public service.
“Asking me to refund what you spent on your electioneering campaign is insulting to me. You did not leave the APC because the party offended you. You left because you were offered money. You are not a party person; you simply want to cash in,” he said.
Adeola further alleged that after failing to get what she wanted from him and the APC, the former senator aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, in pursuit of similar personal benefits.
He added that the time would come to reveal more details about the matter, insisting that recent public comments by Obasanjo-Bello had already exposed what he termed her political dishonesty.
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The APC flagbearer also accused opposition figures in the state of pursuing political power for access to the state’s treasury rather than genuine development.
He maintained that their activities were motivated by bitterness and personal interests instead of a commitment to improving the lives of Ogun residents.
On the legal challenge to his emergence as the APC governorship candidate, Adeola expressed confidence that the case would not succeed, alleging that the suit was sponsored by political opponents.
He also argued that politicians who defected from the APC after May 10, 2026, were constitutionally barred from contesting the forthcoming governorship election.
“Based on existing legal provisions and court judgments, politicians who defected to another political party after May 10, 2026, are not qualified to contest the forthcoming election. We know when these people left the APC. Anyone who crossed over after that date is only wasting his or her time,” he stated.
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The senator further questioned the legal standing of the PDP in Ogun State, claiming the party remained divided by unresolved internal litigation and leadership disputes.
Earlier, President of the Council of Iyalajes and Babaalajes in Remoland, Chief Mrs. Olufunke Oyelaja, reaffirmed the support of market leaders for Adeola’s governorship ambition.
She commended his record of constructing modern markets and empowering traders across Ogun State, expressing confidence that his administration would further improve the welfare of market women and expand economic opportunities for traders.
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