PDP Welcomes Iyabo Obasanjo and Announces Her as the Party’s Candidate for Ogun Central Senate Seat

By James Ogunnaike

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State formally welcomed former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo on Wednesday, immediately presenting her with the party’s flag as its senatorial candidate for Ogun Central ahead of the forthcoming elections.

This move is seen as a significant boost to the PDP’s growing influence and acceptance across Ogun State, especially in the Ogun Central Senatorial District.

Political observers note that Obasanjo’s return to partisan politics under the PDP banner could considerably strengthen the party’s electoral prospects, given her extensive experience, grassroots appeal and long‑standing connection with the district’s people.

During the reception, State Chairman Abayomi Tella described Obasanjo as a valuable addition to the party and expressed confidence that her emergence would further energise the PDP’s support base throughout the state.

After her formal reception, Obasanjo explained the circumstances that led to her decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that her political choices have always been guided by principles of fairness, respect and service to the people.

She said that when she returned to active politics she initially joined the APC because of the respect and recognition accorded her by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“When I returned to active politics, I chose to join the APC because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu treated me with great respect and dignity. He regarded me like his own daughter, gave me my rightful place, and accorded me the recognition I deserved. It was never about money; it was about respect,” she said.

According to her, honour and prestige remain fundamental values in Yoruba culture.

“In Yorubaland, prestige and honour are often valued more than money. When you give me prestige and recognition, you earn my loyalty and respect in return,” she stated.

The former senator stressed that she was not pressured into returning to politics, noting that it was the people of Ogun State who persuaded her to come back and contribute to the state’s development.

“Nobody persuaded or begged me to join the APC. It was my people who called me back into politics. They told me that Ogun State was no longer the same as the one I left and urged me to return and contribute once again to its development. I answered that call because the people still remembered the good work I did as a Senator and as a Commissioner in Ogun State. Their support and confidence inspired my return,” she said.

Obasanjo expressed disappointment over the process that produced the APC’s consensus governorship candidate, alleging that the procedure violated the spirit of consultation required under the party’s constitution.

She said: “When I joined the APC, I committed myself fully to the party. I made it clear from the beginning that if the party adopted a consensus arrangement, I would respect and accept the outcome. As part of the consultation process, we toured Ogun West and Ogun East and were preparing to move to Ogun Central before a meeting was suddenly called by the party leadership. According to the APC Constitution, for a consensus candidate to emerge, all aspirants are expected to engage in discussions and consultations before any decision is announced. However, when we arrived at the meeting, a consensus candidate had already been announced.”

The former lawmaker alleged that aspirants from Ogun Central and Ogun East were excluded from critical consultations.

“We were informed that two aspirants from Ogun West had been persuaded to step down in support of the consensus candidate. At that point, I realized that something was wrong. Ogun West alone cannot determine who becomes Governor of Ogun State. If consultations and negotiations were only held with aspirants from Ogun West while aspirants from Ogun Central and Ogun East were excluded, then the process could not be described as a genuine consensus,” she said.

Obasanjo further argued that Ogun Central was unfairly sidelined in the sharing of key political positions in the state.

“It is important to note that both myself and the PDP deputy governorship candidate are from Ogun Central. Yet, when the major political positions were shared among the four divisions of the state, Ogun Central was completely left out. That raises serious questions about fairness, equity and inclusiveness in the political process,” she added.

Speaking about her political journey and family background, Obasanjo highlighted the legacy of service associated with both her family and that of PDP governorship candidate Hon. Ladi Adebutu.

“Both Hon. Ladi Adebutu and I come from respected families with a long history of service to the people. Our fathers dedicated their lives to empowering others, creating opportunities and supporting countless individuals across Ogun State. The number of people whose lives have been positively impacted by their generosity and commitment to humanity is immeasurable,” she said.

She expressed confidence that the PDP would secure victory at the polls, insisting that the will of the people would ultimately prevail.

“I remain convinced that the mandate of the people cannot be permanently denied. I believe that, by the grace of God and with the support of the good people of Ogun State, I will reclaim my mandate and continue the service I have always been passionate about. What gives me confidence is the extraordinary love and acceptance I continue to receive from the people. I stayed away from active politics for over twenty years, yet the people never forgot me. They continued to remember my service, call my name and encourage me to return,” she said.

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