Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The renowned epidemiologist and former senator made the declaration on Saturday while speaking on an interactive programme on 103.7FM Eagle7 Sports, anchored by Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami.
Her announcement marks a significant return to frontline politics after nearly 15 years away from the political scene.
Iyabo, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, recently rejoined active politics and sealed her membership of the APC by participating in the party’s ongoing e-registration exercise at Ibogun, Ward 11, in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the programme, the former Ogun State Commissioner for Health said her decision to return to politics was driven by sustained pressure from supporters who believe she remains the best candidate to lead the state.
“A group of people I did not bring together and did not form have been working for about two years now. They started talking to me seriously about a year ago, saying they want me back,” she said.
Iyabo explained that returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which she previously contested, was not an option due to what she described as persistent internal turmoil.
She noted that while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was considered, the party was still putting its structures in order.
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According to her, the APC emerged as her preferred choice following extensive consultations, adding that many of those who encouraged her political comeback are already members of the ruling party.
“I think APC is my natural home. I feel comfortable and confident with the actors I know within the APC. I have an absolute 100 percent feeling it’s my natural home,” she said.
The former senator, who lost her re-election bid in 2011 and later returned to the United States to pursue an academic career, rising to the rank of professor, made it clear that her ambition is firmly set on the governorship.
“The only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship. We have started that journey, and we are very serious and dedicated to it,” she said.
Her declaration is expected to reshape the political landscape in Ogun State as preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum.