I don’t need my father’s backing to be governor — Iyabo Obasanjo

Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has declared that she does not require the backing of her father, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as she pursues the governorship of Ogun State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Obasanjo-Bello said her political journey is personal and independent, emphasizing that her parents’ support as voters is sufficient.

“I don’t need his support. I’m almost 60… I consider myself lucky at this age to have both my mother and my father alive.

“I don’t think that at this age, I should be consulting them for everything — my career moves,” she said.

She also addressed her past absence from politics following her Senate loss, explaining that she had not intended to seek re-election and had even postponed a Harvard fellowship to respect the pressure from her supporters.

“My entry into politics was driven by excitement at grassroots campaigning, an experience I never had growing up during the military era.

“Serving as Commissioner for Health and as a senator laid the foundation for my current governorship bid,” she said, noting the goodwill she has built over the years.

On campaign funding, Obasanjo-Bello revealed that her retirement savings in the U.S. stock market, accumulated over decades, would form part of her war chest, alongside contributions from individuals whose fortunes she had helped advance.

She added that investing her savings in a campaign is not a major risk, as she still has 15 years of work life ahead.

Regarding the APC primary, she stressed that no candidate has a guaranteed ticket, including herself, but expressed confidence in her track record and ability to win.

She also welcomed the entry of at least one other woman into the race, calling it a positive signal for women in Nigerian politics, especially with the pending gender reserved seat bill before the National Assembly.