Former senator and ex-Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Iyabo Obasanjo, has formally entered the race for the Ogun State governorship election scheduled for 2027 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obasanjo, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, announced her ambition on Monday following a courtesy visit to the APC leadership at its National Secretariat in Abuja.
She confirmed her defection to the ruling party and declared her intention to seek its governorship ticket ahead of the polls.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Obasanjo rejected suggestions that her decision to contest was influenced by her father, stressing that her entry into the race was motivated by personal resolve and persistent appeals from supporters across the state.
“My father is just another Nigerian who will vote for me. He has not presented any platform for me and has not influenced my decision in any way,” she said.
The governorship aspirant expressed confidence in her chances of emerging as the APC candidate, explaining that her return to frontline politics was driven by sustained calls from residents and political associates from the three senatorial districts of the state.
She said many of her former collaborators, with whom she worked closely during her time in public service, are now members of the ruling party, a development that shaped her decision to pitch her tent with the APC.
“I have not been in active politics for many years. I am back because the people of Ogun State asked for my return. Most of those I have worked with and had positive experiences with are now in APC,” she said.
Obasanjo is seeking to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. She recalled her tenure as Commissioner for Health and her period in the Senate, noting that the goodwill generated from those roles has continued to work in her favour.
“If you know my efforts when I was Commissioner for Health, we did a lot of good things. The goodwill from my time in the Senate and as Commissioner is what is making it so easy to mobilise,” she said.
She added that, if given the opportunity, she would deploy her experience to reposition Ogun State, strengthen the APC’s hold on the state and deliver people-focused governance.
On female representation in leadership, Obasanjo observed that Nigeria has never produced an elected female governor, arguing that the time had come to expand opportunities for women in politics.
“I believe a woman can become governor in Nigeria, and I hope it becomes the norm,” she said.
She outlined her policy focus to include industrial expansion, education, science and technology, with an emphasis on equipping young people with skills suited for innovation-driven careers.
Addressing the issue of zoning and the agitation for Ogun West to produce the next governor, Obasanjo said the contest should remain open and competitive, while acknowledging the need for fairness.
“Every zone deserves a fair chance,” she said, adding that the party must present a candidate with state-wide appeal across the three senatorial districts.
