- Safiu Kehinde
Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, the daughter of former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has formally declared interest in the 2027 Ogun State Governorship Election.
Obasanjo-Bello made the declaration during a briefing at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Centre on Monday.
She said Tinubu’s economic reforms had helped a lot to stabilise the economy and strengthened the purchasing power of Nigerians.
On her reason behind joining the APC, Obasanjo-Bello, who served in the Senate as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said she joined the APC because most of her political allies are now in the ruling party.
The former Ogun State Commissioner for Health said her decision to re-enter politics was driven by persistent appeals from her supporters across Ogun State, who she said believe in her capacity to lead.
“As you must have read in the news, I’ve joined APC. As a card-carrying member, I have also put myself in the ring to be nominated by the party as the governorship candidate for APC in Ogun State,
“I have not been in active politics for many years. I am back because the people of Ogun State asked for my return. Most of those I have worked with and had positive experiences with are now in APC, and that informed my choice.” She said.
On calls for the zoning of the governorship to Ogun West, Obasanjo-Bello acknowledged the longstanding calls for the district to produce a governor,
She however argued that every zone deserves a fair chance and that the APC must field a candidate capable of winning support across all three senatorial districts, adding that the race as open and competitive.
“For me, I’m joining the race because I think it’s open. Nothing is impossible. I’ve been in politics, so I’m not naive,” she said.
Meanwhile, the former lawmaker had at a media parley held on Saturday at the penthouse inside her father’s sprawling Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, said that her governorship aspiration was not a fluke, neither was she out to clear the path for any other candidate.
She reportedly vowed put in every effort and commitment to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun come 2027.
The former lawmaker equally saluted the foresight of President Tinubu in embarking on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
She added that the massive road construction would not only help in deepening economic activities along that corridor but would also help to decongest the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.