Iyabo Obasanjo rejoins PDP, named Ogun Central senatorial candidate

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has officially returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) last week. The formal reception took place at the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta, marked by a festive atmosphere.

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On behalf of our National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the entire National Working Committee of the PDP, I, Dr Abayomi Tella, the state chairman of the PDP, and on behalf of PDP Ogun Central, present to our revered sister, Prof Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, this flag as the authority of the party for her candidature for the Senate in Ogun Central.

During the event, Ogun State PDP chairman, Dr. Abayomi Tella, presented Obasanjo with the party's flag, officially announcing her as the PDP's senatorial candidate for the Ogun Central district in the upcoming 2027 elections. The ceremony was preceded by a procession through Abeokuta, with Obasanjo accompanied by the PDP's governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and party members.

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I commit myself to the ideals of the PDP. I shall serve the people of Ogun State and Nigeria with integrity, humility and dedication, prioritising their welfare above personal and sectional interests.

Upon taking the PDP's oath, Obasanjo pledged her loyalty and commitment to the party's ideals, promising to serve the people of Ogun State and Nigeria with integrity and dedication. She stated her intention to prioritize the welfare of her constituents above personal interests.

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The APC treated me like a child, whereas I will be 60 years old by the grace of God next year.

Explaining her departure from the APC, the 59-year-old Obasanjo cited "disrespect, betrayal, and unfair treatment" from the party leadership. She described feeling like a child within the APC, despite her age and political experience. Obasanjo mentioned that she initially joined the APC due to the respect shown to her by President Bola Tinubu, whom she felt treated her like a daughter. However, she felt sidelined in the party's decision-making processes despite her contributions.

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When I decided to go back into politics after about 20 years, I pitched my tent with the All Progressives Congress because of the way and manner the leader of the party and the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, usually honour me whenever I had the opportunity to meet him at functions.