Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has expressed strong confidence in her chances in the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, describing herself as a formidable contender. The former senator said she expects to receive the support of her parents, including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the polls.
Speaking during a televised interview on Friday, Obasanjo-Bello said she is focused on her political ambition and not seeking parental approval for career decisions at her age. She noted that having both parents alive is a privilege and maintained they would vote for her regardless of formal requests.
The 59-year-old politician recently left the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections. She described the move as a personal decision, adding that her father’s anticipated support would not be influenced by party affiliation.
Obasanjo-Bello said her political record and years of public service position her strongly in the race. She stated that her experience within governance structures gives her equal footing with other aspirants and expressed confidence about winning the election.
Her renewed political activity comes about 15 years after representing Ogun Central in the Senate between 2007 and 2011. She said her long-standing engagement across communities in Ogun State would strengthen her statewide appeal.
On the APC primary process, Obasanjo-Bello said the party has provided equal opportunity for aspirants seeking its governorship ticket. She noted that no candidate has received formal endorsement from party leadership.
Addressing speculation about backing from the state government, she said no aspirant has been guaranteed the party ticket. According to her, all hopefuls are expected to campaign and participate in the primary process on equal terms.
She confirmed that securing the APC ticket remains a prerequisite before contesting the governorship election in 2027. The election will follow the completion of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s second term in office.
Obasanjo-Bello formally registered with the APC during the party’s electronic membership exercise in Ibogun, Ward 11, located in Ifo Local Government Area. She said calls from supporters over the past two years influenced her decision to return to active politics.
She ruled out a return to the PDP, citing internal challenges within the party. While she considered the African Democratic Congress, she said concerns about its readiness for the elections informed her final decision.
Describing the APC as her “natural home,” Obasanjo-Bello said consultations with allies and supporters guided her move. She added that she feels politically aligned with members of the ruling party in the state.
Her public service career includes serving as Ogun State Commissioner for Health under former governor Gbenga Daniel. She was later elected senator in 2007 but lost her re-election bid in 2011 to Gbenga Obadara of the Action Congress of Nigeria.
Following her electoral defeat, she returned to the United States, where she continued her academic career and became a professor.
The APC has maintained political dominance in Ogun State for about 15 years through consecutive administrations. Before Abiodun’s tenure, Ibikunle Amosun governed the state from 2011 to 2019, while Daniel led the state between 2003 and 2011 under the PDP.
No woman has been elected governor of Ogun State since its creation. However, women have served in deputy governorship roles, including Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the current deputy governor, and Yetunde Onanuga, who held the position from 2015 to 2019.
Another APC aspirant for the 2027 governorship race is Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, a veteran journalist and former Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Abiodun.
