By Jane Salihu
Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has formally declared her intention to seek the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, saying she is confident the race is open and winnable. Speaking during a visit to the APC National Secretariat, she said she recently joined the ruling party as a card-carrying member following appeals from supporters across the state.
Obasanjo, a former Ogun State Commissioner for Health and ex-Senator, said her return to active politics was driven by sustained calls from residents who urged her to contest. “I have not participated in active politics for many years, but the reason I’m back is because people in Ogun State asked for my return,” she said, adding that many of her long-time political associates are now in the APC.
She dismissed suggestions that her father influenced her decision to join the party. “He is not part of my coming here today; it is my personal decision,” she said. “He is just another citizen that will vote for me. Other than that, he is not part of my movement.” She explained that her choice of platform was based on relationships and support she received from political allies now in the APC.
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s history of not electing a female governor, Obasanjo said she entered the race fully aware of the challenge but believes the timing is right. She cited ongoing efforts within the APC to support increased female representation, including advocacy for reserved seats for women in the National Assembly. “If there’s a time for a woman to emerge, this is the time,” she said, expressing confidence that the APC could produce Nigeria’s first elected female governor.
She also referenced global examples, noting that countries like Rwanda increased women’s political participation through similar policies. According to her, Ogun State’s history of strong female figures and activism makes it well positioned to break the glass ceiling. “We will not win just because we’re women, but because we are the best candidates and we are delivering service to the people,” she added.
Highlighting her track record, Obasanjo recalled her tenure as Commissioner for Health, sharing a story of how she intervened to save and support orphaned twins whose mother died during childbirth. The children, she said, are now adults and thriving. “When I go out and people tell me what I did for them, I have had to cry sometimes,” she said, noting that such experiences strengthened her resolve to serve again.
On policy priorities, she identified transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and science-based education as key focus areas. She praised major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, saying improved connectivity would ease congestion in Ogun, which serves as a major transit corridor from Lagos to other parts of the country. She also pledged to expand science, technology and ICT education to equip young people with competitive skills.
Responding to questions about zoning and agitation for Ogun West to produce the next governor, Obasanjo acknowledged the historical imbalance but insisted the contest remains open. She noted that Ogun has three senatorial districts, with only two having produced governors, and called for fairness while emphasizing electability. “Nothing is impossible. I’m not naive. I’ve run before; once I won, once I lost. I know politics,” she said.
While expressing support for Ogun West’s aspirations, she argued that the state needs a candidate capable of winning across all zones. “We have to get the kind of candidate that can mobilize not their own people alone, but the other zones,” she said, maintaining that she possesses the experience and statewide appeal to lead the APC to victory in the forthcoming governorship election.
