Iyabo Obasanjo joins APC, declares Ogun governorship ambition

Dr Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has formally declared her intention to contest the Ogun State governorship under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing optimism that she could become Nigeria’s first elected female governor.

Dr Obasanjo made the declaration on Monday during a visit to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, where she confirmed that she has registered as a card-carrying member of the party.

She said her return to active politics followed persistent calls from supporters across Ogun State who urged her to step forward and provide leadership.

“As you must have read in the news, I have joined APC. As a card-carrying member, I have also put myself in the ring to be nominated by the party as the governorship candidate for APC in Ogun State,” she said.

Addressing the historic dimension of her ambition, the former Senator and ex-Commissioner for Health noted that Nigeria is yet to produce an elected female governor. She expressed confidence that the APC’s stance on greater female inclusion in politics gives her hope that the party could break that barrier.

“The APC’s push on that bill [reserved seats for women] gives me the confidence that the APC is the party that will produce the first female governor in Nigeria that is elected in office. I am confident that if there was ever a time for a woman to emerge, this is the time,” she declared.

Dr Obasanjo, who has spent recent years in academia as a research professor, said her decision was strengthened by the fact that many of her former political associates have since moved to the APC.

Reflecting on her record in public office, she cited her tenure as Health Commissioner and Senator as evidence of her leadership capacity. She recounted how she once took in day-old twins whose mother died during childbirth, saying such experiences shaped the expectations people now have of her.

On zoning the governorship to Ogun West, she acknowledged the principle of fairness but argued that previous strategies had not yielded victory. She maintained that she possesses the political strength to help Ogun West, particularly Yewa, produce a governor.

Responding to speculation about her father’s involvement, she dismissed the notion. “He is not part of my coming here today; it is my personal decision. He is just another citizen who will vote for me. He has not presented me any platform. Like I said, I made an informed decision to choose APC,” she said.

Outlining her vision for Ogun State, Obasanjo highlighted education, especially Science, Technology and ICT, alongside agriculture and manufacturing as key priorities. She emphasised grassroots engagement and a commitment to serve two terms before returning to private life.

“I will focus on it, I will campaign, I will go to the grassroots. We will make APC the winning party in Ogun State, and I will be the candidate, by God’s grace,” she stated.