Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has criticized Senator Solomon Adeola, widely known as Yayi, for what she describes as opportunistic political behavior, while announcing her own bid for the Ogun State governorship in 2027. The former senator for Ogun Central made these remarks during a live radio program on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ijebu-Ilese, monitored in Abeokuta.
During the discussion, themed “Political Hurdles Facing Nigerian Women, 2027 and Beyond,” Iyabo advised Yayi, who currently represents Ogun West in the Senate, to remain committed to the political system where he initially built his career. She argued that his transition from another state—reportedly Lagos, where he had significant political involvement—to contest the Ogun governorship was not in the best interest of Ogun West, a region that has yet to produce a governor. “Having a governor that actually politicked in another state is not the best way to go,” Iyabo stated, emphasizing that voters in Yewa, part of Ogun West, have long-standing political figures who deserve consideration.
While Nigeria lacks formal legislation on zoning or rotation of power, Iyabo highlighted an informal tradition of balancing governorship among Ogun State’s three senatorial districts: Central, East, and West. Since 1999, governors have emerged from Central (two) and East (three), but none from West. She stated that this imbalance cannot be attributed solely to Ogun Central, noting East’s historical representation. Iyabo recounted her past efforts to support a Western candidate, including campaigning for the late General Olurin when he was the PDP nominee, though that bid was unsuccessful.
Iyabo, who recently rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a 15-year absence from active politics, declared her intention to run for governor. She served as senator for Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011 and lost re-election in 2011. In her radio interview, she pledged to ensure that after her potential tenure, a governor would emerge from Ogun West, saying, “After me, because I’m going to win.” She contrasted her longstanding commitment to Ogun politics with Yayi’s alleged recent entry, accusing him of not having supported Western candidates in the past. “You are coming out just for yourself and I am coming out because I’ve served the people,” she asserted.
Iyabo expressed confidence in her capacity to address governance gaps in Ogun State, dismissing concerns about competition from other aspirants. She stressed the need for candidates with proven presence and ability,暗示 she fits that criteria. Her comments reflect broader tensions around zoning and political morality in Nigerian state politics, where regional equity often influences electoral strategies.
The exchange underscores the significance of senatorial district balancing in Ogun’s political landscape as the 2027 election cycle approaches. Iyabo’s candidacy and her critique of Yayi may shape internal APC dynamics and voter expectations, particularly in Ogun West, where demands for representation remain a pressing issue.
