Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a former senator, has officially confirmed her defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared her intention to contest the Ogun State governorship. The announcement marks her formal return to active Nigerian politics after a 15-year absence and immediately positions her as a significant contender in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Obasanjo made the disclosure on Saturday during an interview on Eagle7 Sports 103.7FM, where she spoke candidly about her political plans, her reasons for switching parties, and her decision to focus solely on the governorship race. Her re-entry into frontline politics ends more than a decade of political quietude during which she relocated to the United States to pursue an academic career.
The former lawmaker represented Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011 and later served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health. Since leaving public office, she has largely stayed out of Nigeria’s political arena, devoting herself to teaching and research abroad. Her sudden reappearance, coupled with a clear and ambitious political goal, has therefore generated considerable attention within Ogun State and beyond.
In a decisive break from her past political trajectory, Obasanjo categorically ruled out any interest in returning to the National Assembly or accepting an appointment as a commissioner in any future administration. She stressed that her political ambition is singular and non-negotiable: the governorship of Ogun State, with her sights firmly set on the Oke-Mosan Government House.
“I’m not going to be Commissioner. Like I said, I’m not even going back to the same party because I think that’s old and I don’t see the use of it. And I’m not going to go back to the Senate. Like the American would say, there’s no need. The only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship,” she said during the interview, as quoted by PUNCH.
She further underscored the seriousness of her bid, noting that her political structure is already in motion and committed to seeing the project through. “We have started that journey. We are going to see it through. We are very serious about it. I mean, we are very dedicated to it,” Obasanjo stated, signalling that her ambition is not exploratory but firmly rooted in long-term planning.
Addressing speculation about the motivation behind her return, the former senator explained that the decision was not self-initiated. Instead, she described it as the outcome of sustained mobilisation and persuasion by political associates and supporters who believe she remains the best candidate to lead the state. According to her, this effort has been ongoing for nearly two years, with more direct engagement beginning about a year ago.
“A group of people who I did not bring together have been working, I think, for two years now. And then they started talking to me about a year ago, saying, ‘Look, we think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she revealed. Her comments suggest that her re-emergence is anchored on an existing grassroots network rather than a sudden personal ambition.
Obasanjo’s defection to the APC was formalised through the party’s e-registration exercise at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. The development was confirmed by one of her close allies, Hon. Biodun Ajayi, a former chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, who described the move as a strategic step ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
Her entry into the ruling party has elicited mixed reactions across the state’s political landscape. The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under whose platform she previously served as senator and commissioner, reacted tersely to the news, offering a brief farewell message and wishing her well in her new political home. The restrained response suggests an attempt to downplay the potential impact of her departure, even as it underscores the significance of losing a high-profile figure.
Political observers note that Iyabo Obasanjo’s defection could alter the internal dynamics of the APC in Ogun State. The party is already home to several influential figures and likely aspirants eyeing the governorship, and her entry adds another formidable name to an already crowded field. Her political pedigree, national visibility, and experience in both legislative and executive roles are expected to make her a strong contender in the party’s internal contests.
Analysts also point to the broader implications of her move, particularly in light of her father’s long-standing and often complex relationship with the APC and the current Ogun State administration. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo remains one of the country’s most influential political figures, known for his outspoken interventions in national affairs and his ability to shape political narratives. While he has not publicly commented on his daughter’s decision, his shadow looms large over the political calculations surrounding her ambition.
Beyond name recognition, Obasanjo’s academic background and international exposure are seen as assets she may leverage in presenting herself as a reform-minded and technocratic candidate. Supporters argue that her years in academia have equipped her with policy depth and administrative insight that could translate into effective governance, particularly at a time when voters are increasingly demanding competence and accountability from political leaders.
As preparations for the 2027 governorship race gradually intensify, Iyabo Obasanjo’s return is expected to inject fresh energy and competition into Ogun State politics. Her clear-eyed focus on the governorship, combined with her defection to the ruling party, ensures that she will remain a central figure in political discussions in the state in the months ahead.
Whether her ambition will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but her declaration has undoubtedly raised the stakes. With multiple aspirants, shifting alliances, and an electorate hungry for credible leadership, the battle for the Oke-Mosan Government House is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the South-West. Iyabo Obasanjo’s re-entry into the fray signals that the race has truly begun.
