The aspiration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Remo North State Constituency, Adebiyi Adeleye, has suffered a major political setback following the resignation of former Remo North Local Government Chairman, John Obafemi, from the party.

Obafemi, a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, resigned his membership of the APC with immediate effect, citing prolonged non recognition as a leader within the party at both the local government and state levels.

His resignation has further heightened political uncertainty within the Remo North APC, coming on the same day as the official commencement of public campaigns and flag offs for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, as scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a resignation letter dated September 7, 2026, and addressed to the APC State Chairman in Ogun State through the party’s Ward 2 Chairman in Remo North, Obafemi said his decision followed careful reflection on his experience and political journey within the party.

The former lawmaker, who represented Remo North State Constituency from 2011 to 2015, said he had served the people of the area with “unflinching sincerity and tenacity” during his tenure as local government chairman between 2004 and 2010 and later as a member of the state legislature.

“Considering the salient issues above, it has become imperative for me to reconsider my political aspiration and career in terms of the best possible ways that I can continue contributing to the progress of my Remo North LGA, Ogun State and indeed, our great Nigeria in view of my untiring passion for the sustained socio-economic development of Nigeria,” he stated.

Reacting to Obafemi’s resignation, the Remo North APC leadership described it as a “welcome” development, dismissing his claim of non recognition as an attempt to rewrite history.

In a statement signed by the party’s LGA Secretary, Omo’ba Yinka Soyemi, the APC alleged that Obafemi’s political activities and relationships with opposition interests had raised questions about his commitment to the party.

The leadership maintained that recognition was earned through loyalty, participation and respect for legitimate party structures, insisting that Obafemi was not forced out of the APC.

The party also accused the former council chairman and members of his political circle of conduct it considered inconsistent with APC loyalty. It further made allegations concerning his past administration and political activities, while defending Governor Dapo Abiodun against what it described as Obafemi’s negative disposition towards the governor.

It would be recalled that Adeleye contested for the same House of Assembly seat in the last general election, in which the APC failed to secure victory in any of the 10 wards in Remo North Constituency.

A party faithful, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the development should not be celebrated, stressing the need for greater unity within the APC in Remo North and, by extension, Ogun State ahead of the 2027 election.

“While the party may believe Obafemi’s exit will not affect its structure, his departure could have electoral consequences if he is able to influence significant grassroots supporters,” the source said.

There is, however, growing concern among APC stakeholders in Remo North that Obafemi’s exit could further complicate Adeleye’s bid, particularly given the APC’s previous performance in the constituency.

Adeleye’s failure to secure victory in any of the 10 wards in the previous election already presents a significant challenge, and any further division within the party could make his return bid more difficult.