Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo has registered with APC in Ogun State, sparking speculation about a possible political return ahead of the 2027 elections
Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Senator for Ogun Central, has reportedly registered as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.
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The registration was confirmed by Hon. Biodun Ajayi, former chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, who told PUNCH Online that Obasanjo completed her online registration on Tuesday at Ibogun Ward 11 of Ifo Local Government.
An anonymous former House of Representatives member also verified the report.
Efforts to obtain an official comment from APC in Ogun State were inconclusive.
The party’s Director of Publicity, Mr Femi Nuberu, did not confirm the registration but highlighted that the ongoing membership drive is open to all Nigerians aged 18 and above.
Prof. Obasanjo, an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, previously served as Commissioner for Health in Ogun State (2003–2007) and as Senator representing Ogun Central (2007–2011).
Her political return has been widely speculated following the appearance of campaign billboards in Abeokuta late last year, which read: “In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Sen (Prof) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.”
Political analysts noted that Obasanjo’s move to APC may surprise some, given her father’s perceived distance from the ruling party.
Olusegun Obasanjo had publicly supported Peter Obi of the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election.
A source close to Prof. Obasanjo described her registration as a reflection of her independent political thinking.
In previous remarks, Obasanjo explained that the billboards were erected by supporters without her prompting and did not indicate an active pursuit of office.
Speaking to Remo TV during the 70th birthday celebration of Chief Mrs. Gloria Shoda, she said: “Nobody can say I am actively campaigning for anything, but I have given these people the go-ahead… Any future political move rests with God and her supporters.”
Born on 27 April 1967, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo trained as a veterinary doctor at the University of Ibadan.
Following her unsuccessful 2011 re-election bid, she returned to the United States, where she currently teaches at the University of Maryland.
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Her registration with APC signals a potential re-entry into Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 elections, attracting significant attention from both supporters and political observers.
