PDP unveils Iyabo Obasanjo Ogun Central senatorial candidate

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, officially rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday and was presented as its senatorial candidate for Ogun Central in the upcoming 2027 elections. The ceremony took place at the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta, where state chairman Dr. Abayomi Tella handed her the party flag, formally announcing her candidacy. Obasanjo, who resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) last week, cited disrespect and betrayal by the party leadership as reasons for her departure. Obasanjo described her treatment in the APC as demeaning, stating she was ‘treated like a child’ despite her political experience as a commissioner and senator. She initially joined the APC due to the respect she received from President Bola Tinubu, but later felt excluded from decision-making processes and ignored in candidate selection. ‘I was a commissioner for four years and a senator for another four years in this state,’ she said, emphasizing her qualifications for the Ogun Central seat. During the event, Obasanjo took the PDP oath, pledging loyalty to the party’s ideals and promising to prioritize the welfare of Ogun State and Nigeria over personal interests. The PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, also addressed the crowd, vowing transparency in public funds management and full local government autonomy if elected. Obasanjo had signaled her return to politics in January by registering as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, before resigning in a May 31 letter citing maltreatment. The PDP’s reception included a procession through Abeokuta streets, with Obasanjo flanked by party members and supporters, reinforcing her political comeback ahead of the 2027 elections.