Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State following her resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
Iyabo, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was formally received into the PDP during a large rally held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
The former lawmaker represented Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011 before leaving active politics and relocating to the United States to pursue an academic career.
She returned to the political scene earlier this year after a 15-year hiatus, joining the APC and declaring her intention to contest the Ogun State governorship election. However, she resigned from the party on May 31 after failing to secure the governorship ticket, accusing the APC leadership of disrespect, betrayal, and unfair treatment.
At the reception ceremony, Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr. Abayomi Tella, presented the party’s flag to Obasanjo and officially announced her as the party’s candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming election.
“On behalf of our National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the National Working Committee of the PDP, I present this flag to Prof. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello as the authority of the party for her candidature for the Senate in Ogun Central,” Tella stated.
Taking the PDP oath of allegiance, Obasanjo pledged unwavering loyalty to the party and promised to uphold its constitution, manifesto, and principles.
“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,” she said.
The former senator expressed confidence in her electoral prospects, describing herself as the candidate to beat and maintaining that she remains the most effective representative Ogun Central has produced.
Also speaking at the rally, PDP governorship hopeful Oladipupo Adebutu promised to strengthen grassroots governance through the implementation of local government autonomy if elected governor.
Adebutu further assured residents of prudent financial management and transparency in government operations.
“I, Oladipupo, son of Adebutu, won’t steal your money. Local governments will get their funds accordingly, and we shall be transparent in all our dealings,” he pledged.
The event drew party supporters and leaders from across the state, signaling the PDP’s efforts to strengthen its position ahead of the next electoral cycle.
