Iyabo Obasanjo rejoins PDP days after dumping APC

Former Nigerian Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has made a swift return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move that comes less than a week after her resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obasanjo, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, officially rejoined the PDP on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Her return coincided with the unveiling of the party's deputy governorship candidate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo. The former senator, who recently returned from the United States, was met with enthusiastic cheers from PDP members at the party secretariat.

Speaking briefly after Sowunmi-Kolapo's presentation, Obasanjo conveyed her strong belief in the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, to win the 2027 gubernatorial election. While she reserved detailed comments for a formal declaration ceremony, she indicated that she had significant grievances to address regarding her previous party.

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I actually have a lot to say, there are many people that we shall call out, but I won’t say anything now until you organise that official welcome back into the party.

"I actually have a lot to say, there are many people that we shall call out, but I won’t say anything now until you organise that official welcome back into the party," Obasanjo stated. She also expressed confidence in Adebutu, referring to him as the "incoming governor from 2027" and acknowledging his persistent efforts to secure the governorship.

Obasanjo's departure from the APC was reportedly due to alleged rejection, mistreatment, and a lack of respect from the party's leadership. In a resignation letter dated May 31, she cited dissatisfaction with the process that led to the selection of Senator Solomon Adeola as the APC's consensus governorship candidate. She claimed that party leaders failed to consult stakeholders, including herself, despite assurances of involvement in the consensus process. Obasanjo also alleged that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the candidate was announced. Despite these issues, she had initially congratulated Adeola and pledged support, but later claimed he failed to address requests made by her supporters after a meeting.

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However, I want to greet our deputy governorship candidate. I am convinced that you will be our next deputy governor. I want to thank our incoming governor from 2027, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, because he has really tried to become the governor of the state for the first, second and third time. But this time, God is saying that he will be our next governor now that I am joining the party.