Iyabo Obasanjo, a former senator and daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared her intention to vigorously contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), rejecting any suggestion she would step aside for another candidate.
Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Obasanjo stated she is fully committed to securing the APC’s ticket through extensive consultations and campaigning. She emphasized she will compete against all other aspirants in the field.
Addressing criticisms about her grassroots connection, Obasanjo cited her record during her Senate campaign for Ogun Central Senatorial District. “When I campaigned for the Senate, I think there was no remote village in Ogun Central Senatorial District that I did not touch,” she said, arguing that her political strength lies in direct engagement with rural communities.
Obasanjo also responded to questions about her temporary absence from active politics, explaining that her time overseas provided valuable insights into different governance models, particularly municipal administration and taxation systems. She clarified that her pre-political career allows her to view public service primarily as a vehicle for development, not as a permanent profession.
She positioned Ogun State as a potential trailblazer, noting that the 2027 election could produce Nigeria’s first elected female governor—a milestone she is contesting to achieve.
Obasanjo’s statement marks a formal entry into the race for Ogun’s top job, setting the stage for a competitive primary within the APC. Her campaign will now focus on statewide consultations to build support ahead of the party’s ticket selection process. The declaration underscores the growing prominence of women in Nigeria’s gubernatorial politics and highlights internal APC dynamics in a key southwestern state.
