Iyabo Obasanjo Returns to PDP

Former Senator representing Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo, has rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just days after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, returned to the PDP on Monday during the unveiling of the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking after the event, Iyabo Obasanjo expressed optimism about the PDP’s prospects in the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State, particularly the chances of its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

She also commended Ladi Adebutu, describing him as someone who had consistently contested for the position over the years.

According to her, she was optimistic that this time would be different, adding that Adebutu would now become governor since she had rejoined the party.

“I actually have a lot to say, there are many people that we shall call out, but I won’t say anything now until you organise that official welcome back into the party.

[From Right] Sen Iyabo Obasanjo; the chairman of PDP in Ogun State, Dr Abayomi Tella; the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo; and governorship candidate, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu during the unveiling of Sowunmi-Kolapo as the party’s deputy governorship candidate on Monday. Credit: Punch.

“However, I want to greet our deputy governorship candidate. I am convinced that you will be our next deputy governor. I want to thank our incoming governor from 2027, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, because he has really tried to become the governor of the state for the first, second and third time.

“But this time, God is saying that he will be our next governor now that I am joining the party,” she stated.

Her return to the PDP comes shortly after she quit the APC, citing alleged rejection, unfair treatment and lack of respect from the party leadership.

In a resignation letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun APC chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, she criticised the emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.

She alleged that stakeholders were not properly consulted before Adeola was announced, despite earlier assurances of inclusiveness in the selection process.

Iyabo Obasanjo also claimed that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the consensus candidate was unveiled.

She said she initially accepted the party’s decision and publicly congratulated Adeola, also pledging support for his ambition, while noting that he later visited her and promised to consider requests made by her supporters but failed to respond after the meeting.

According to her, these developments reinforced her perception of exclusion within the APC, ultimately influencing her decision to leave the party.

She had joined the APC in January after registering in Ward 11, Ibogun, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Obasanjo served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007 and represented Ogun Central in the Senate from 2007 to 2011 before relocating to the United States after losing her re-election bid.