Iyabo Obasanjo Details Discussion with President Tinubu on Political Aspirations

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, a prominent aspirant within the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ogun State governorship race, has shed light on her recent private meeting with President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence. The meeting, which Daily Trust previously reported, involved Obasanjo formally informing the President about her political aspirations and strategic plans for Ogun State.

Sources indicated that the primary focus of the discussion was Obasanjo's intention to vie for the governorship of Ogun State. The senator herself spoke on Saturday in Abeokuta during the "Media Parliament" event, hosted by the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). She described the discussion with President Tinubu as "very good" and characterized him as "very gracious, sharp and articulate."

Addressing speculations that her ambition might be a bargaining chip for a deputy governorship or ministerial position, Obasanjo firmly dismissed such notions. "I am not interested in being a deputy governor. If I came into this race to be governor, I do not believe that… I would just say no. I’m not in this race for deputy governor. I’m not in it for a minister," she stated.

She further elaborated on her career outside of politics, expressing contentment with her current profession. "I like the life I live. If I don’t get it, I’ll continue to participate in the politics of the party, but I will go back to my job, which I still have," Obasanjo said. She highlighted her teaching career, which has been conducted online for the past three years, attributing its continuation to technological advancements during the COVID-19 pandemic, and described it as a "good job."

When questioned about her financial readiness for the election, Obasanjo admitted to not possessing billions for campaign spending. Instead, she emphasized her reliance on the "goodwill of the people." She noted that individuals are contributing their time and resources, donating items like T-shirts and caps, which she sees as a testament to the goodwill generated from her previous roles as a commissioner and senator.