Iyabo Obasanjo, the daughter of Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria's former president, is re-entering the political arena after a 15-year hiatus, having recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2027 general elections in Ogun State, according to sources.
As reported, Iyabo, who served as the senator for Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011, has officially completed her registration with the APC during the ongoing e-registration process at Ibogun, Ward 11, located in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, thus solidifying her membership.
The distinguished epidemiologist and former Ogun State Health Commissioner previously lost her bid for re-election in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Following her defeat, she returned to the United States to advance her academic career and has achieved the rank of professor.
Biodun Ajayi, a close associate and former local government chairman in Ogun State, confirmed that she registered with the APC on Tuesday. "I can confirm that Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo officially completed her online registration as a member of the All Progressives Congress on Tuesday at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Local Government Area," Ajayi stated.
Additionally, a former House of Representatives member corroborated this development, stating, "Yes, I am aware. She registered at Ibogun yesterday (Tuesday)."
On the other hand, Femi Nuberu, the spokesman for the Ogun State APC, did not confirm or deny Iyabo’s registration. He emphasized that the party's main focus is on ensuring the successful and inclusive execution of the nationwide registration exercise rather than commenting on individual registrants.
Previously, Iyabo Obasanjo stirred political speculation when campaign billboards featuring her image began appearing throughout Abeokuta, further fueling rumors about her return to active politics and aspirations for an elective position ahead of the 2027 elections.
The billboards display the message: "In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Sen (Prof) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni," which translates to "She is our daughter; she is our person; she is part of us."
In a recent statement regarding the billboards, Iyabo explained that they were put up by her supporters. During an interview with Remo TV in Sagamu at the 70th birthday celebration for Chief Mrs. Gloria Shoda, a former national president of the National Council of Women Societies, she said, "There are some people who worked with me in the past. They came together and said, ‘This is who we like.’"
She expressed that she initially wanted to dissuade them, saying, "I live a good life. I am fine teaching at the university in the US."
However, out of respect for their enthusiasm and support, she decided to allow the billboards, stating, "Nobody can say I am actively campaigning for anything, but I have given these people the go-ahead."
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