Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State and has been unveiled as the Party’s senatorial candidate for Ogun Central ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The development, announced on Wednesday, is being seen as a significant boost for the PDP in Ogun State, particularly in the Ogun Central Senatorial District, with political observers saying Obasanjo’s return to active politics could strengthen the Party’s electoral chances due to her political experience, grassroots support and long-standing relationship with the people.
While presenting the Party’s flag to her, Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, described Obasanjo as a major addition to the Party and expressed confidence that her candidacy would further energise the PDP’s support base across the State.
Speaking after her formal reception, Obasanjo explained why she decided to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that her political decisions have always been driven by fairness, respect and service to the people.
She revealed that when she returned to active politics, she initially chose the APC because of the honour and recognition she received from 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 Obasanjo, prestige and honour remain core 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 added.
The former Senator maintained that no one persuaded her to return to politics, saying it was the people of Ogun State who urged 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, however, criticised the process that produced the APC’s consensus governorship candidate, alleging that it violated the consultation process required by the Party’s constitution.
“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.”
She further alleged that aspirants from Ogun Central and Ogun East were excluded from key 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 realised 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 also argued that Ogun Central had been unfairly sidelined in the distribution of major 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 stated.
Speaking on her political journey, Obasanjo highlighted the legacy of public service shared by her family and that of the 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.
Expressing confidence ahead of the elections, Obasanjo said she believes the PDP will emerge victorious.
“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.”
