Compassion for Ogun people prompted my defection to PDP — Iyabo Obasanjo

Professor Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, a former senator for Ogun Central and daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has announced her defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She stated that her decision was motivated by a desire to better serve the people of Ogun Central and a deep compassion for them.

During a courtesy visit from members of the Liberty Group at her residence in Abeokuta, Obasanjo-Bello explained that the PDP's focus on people aligns with her passion for humanitarian service. "I like helping people, and PDP as a party has always been a people-centred party, which further helps me to spread my philanthropic gesture to my constituents," she said.

She believes that her endorsement by various political support groups, including the Liberty Group, reflects her past service and philanthropic efforts as Ogun State Commissioner for Health and later as a senator. Obasanjo-Bello pledged to unite these support groups under the PDP banner and assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of her full support in the upcoming general election.

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I like helping people, and PDP as a party has always been a people-centred party, which further helps me to spread my philanthropic gesture to my constituents.

Obasanjo-Bello asserted that the APC no longer aligns with her vision for the people of Ogun Central, which prompted her move to the PDP. Earlier, the leader of the Liberty Group, Kazeem Adedoyin, highlighted that the group, comprising members from six local government areas, endorsed Obasanjo-Bello based on her achievements during her tenure as senator from 2007 to 2011. Adedoyin also declared the group's support for the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

PUNCH Online reported that Obasanjo-Bello resigned from the APC on May 31, citing persistent disrespect and unfair treatment from the party leadership in Ogun State. Her resignation followed a failed attempt to secure the party's governorship ticket. She had criticized the consensus process that led to Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) becoming the party's governorship candidate, deeming it inconsistent with APC guidelines.

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I promise to integrate all the groups into our platform as well as assure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of my total support in the coming general election.