Ogun ADC expresses eagerness to receive Iyabo Obasanjo

Ogun ADC expresses eagerness to receive Iyabo Obasanjo

The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress says it is waiting for Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, the first daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to reach out to the party as a platform for her rumoured 2027 political ambition.

Recently, billboards featuring Obasanjo-Bello, who represented Ogun Central senatorial district between 2007 and 2011 and now resides in the United States, appeared in parts of Abeokuta, including Abiola Way near her father’s Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and around Brewery Junction.

The billboards, featuring the trained veterinarian and epidemiologist, partially read: “In Ogun State we know ourselves. Senator (Prof) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.”

Though The PUNCH could not confirm Obasanjo-Bello’s 2027 intentions, the billboards have sparked discussion in the state.

Some observers believe she may align with the ADC for her next political move.

A prominent politician in the state, who spoke on condition of anonymity for ‘personal reasons’, said, “Although the former senator is yet to openly declare her next political move, this is speculated to be around the Ogun Central Senatorial race, and the likely party is the ADC.

“You will remember that the former president in 2019 gave tactical support to the ADC. So, many believe the former senator will likely pursue her next political ambition with the ADC. That is the thinking out there.”

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent on Sunday, the Chairman of the ADC’s Ogun State chapter, Otunba Femi Soluade, acknowledged the speculation but noted that Obasanjo-Bello had not yet contacted the party.

Soluade said the party is eagerly awaiting her overtures and plans to discuss the matter with the executive committee in the coming days.

He stated, “Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello is yet to make overtures to us. Nevertheless, we are waiting for her to talk to us. Opinions abound about the post she might be gunning for in 2027, but we are watching. Maybe in the coming days, I will discuss her matter with our executive and revert as soon as there is information.”

Born on April 27, 1967, Obasanjo-Bello, a University of Ibadan-trained veterinarian and epidemiologist, served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health under former Governor Gbenga Daniel’s first term administration between 2003 and 2007.

She later represented Ogun Central Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party from 2007 to 2011.

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo- Bello

After losing the seat to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria in 2011, she relocated to the United States.

The ADC, led by former Senate President David Mark, is mobilising support to challenge the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.