Former Ogun Central senator Iyabo Obasanjo has confirmed her defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared her intention to contest the Ogun State governorship.
Obasanjo, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, made the announcement on Saturday during an interview on Eagle7 Sports 103.7FM. She represented Ogun Central in the Senate between 2007 and 2011.
Her return to frontline politics comes after a 15-year break, during which she relocated to the United States to pursue an academic career.
Ruling out any interest in returning to the National Assembly or accepting an appointment as a state commissioner, Obasanjo said her sole political ambition is the governorship of Ogun State.
“I’m not going to be commissioner. I’m not going back to the Senate either. The only thing I’m coming back for is the governorship,” she said, as quoted by PUNCH.
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She added that her political team is fully committed to the project, stressing that preparations are already underway and that the ambition would be pursued with seriousness and dedication.
The former health commissioner explained that her decision to return to politics was not self-driven, but the result of sustained mobilisation by political associates and supporters over the past two years.
“A group of people I did not bring together have been working for about two years now. They approached me about a year ago and said they believed I was the best candidate and wanted me back,” she said.
Obasanjo’s defection to the APC was formalised through the party’s e-registration exercise at Ibogun Ward 11, Ifo Local Government Area. Her registration was confirmed by her ally and former chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Hon. Biodun Ajayi.
Reacting to the development, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which she previously served, issued a brief statement wishing her well in her new political party.
Political analysts say Obasanjo’s entry into the APC could alter the political landscape in Ogun State, given her name recognition, academic background, and her father’s influential—though complex—relationship with the ruling party and the current state administration.
Her return is expected to intensify the 2027 governorship race, adding fresh momentum to an already crowded field of aspirants.
