Why I opted for APC for my governorship bid – Iyabo Obasanjo

Former Senator and daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, has announced her return to active politics after a 15-year break, revealing that she has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.

Speaking during an interview with sports icon Segun Odegbami on Eagle7 Sports Radio 103.7 FM in Abeokuta on Saturday, the former lawmaker described the APC as her “natural home” and expressed confidence in her decision to align with the party.

“I think APC is my natural home. I have an absolute 100 per cent feeling it’s my natural home,” she said.

Obasanjo, who left Nigeria for the United States after losing her senatorial re-election bid in 2011 and later rose to the rank of professor, said her return to politics was prompted by sustained appeals from supporters who have been mobilising for her comeback over the past two years.

“Like I told you, a group of people I didn’t bring together have been working for about two years.

“They started talking to me about a year ago, saying, ‘We think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she explained.

She ruled out returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing lingering internal crises, and also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an option, noting that the party was still developing its structures.

According to her, extensive consultations led to her decision to join the APC, where she said she feels more comfortable with key stakeholders.

“I don’t have any animosity towards any individual or group within the APC.

“I feel comfortable with all the actors I know within the party — even more comfortable than with some of those in the PDP,” she said.

To formalise her membership, the former Ogun State Commissioner for Health participated in the APC’s ongoing e-registration exercise at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Local Government Area.

Obasanjo made it clear that her political comeback is solely focused on contesting the governorship seat, ruling out other positions.

“I’m not going to be commissioner. I’m not going back to the Senate. The only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship.

“We have started that journey, and we are going to see it through. We are very serious and dedicated to it,” she said.