Iyabo Obasanjo Joins APC in Ogun, Stirring Fresh Political Conversations

Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a former senator representing Ogun Central, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State. Her decision, confirmed by close political allies, follows the completion of her electronic party registration on Tuesday at Ibogun, Ward 11, in Ifo Local Government Area. The development has drawn wide attention within political circles, given her past affiliations and the broader political context in the state.

The move comes amid an ongoing APC membership registration exercise in Ogun State, which party officials describe as inclusive and open to all eligible Nigerians. While the party’s state leadership has declined to specifically confirm her registration, multiple sources familiar with the process have verified the development.

Registration and Confirmation by Allies

Confirmation of Prof. Obasanjo’s registration came from Mr. Biodun Ajayi, former Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government and a close ally of the former senator. Ajayi, who currently serves as a commissioner with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), stated that the registration was successfully concluded online at the ward level.

According to him, Prof. Obasanjo completed the process on Tuesday in line with APC guidelines, which require registration to be carried out and authenticated at the ward level. He described her decision as a personal political choice made within the framework of the party’s ongoing membership drive.

Further confirmation also came from a former member of the House of Representatives from the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The source affirmed awareness of the registration and noted that it had taken place as reported, lending additional credibility to the account.

APC’s Position and Broader Membership Drive

When contacted, the Ogun State Director of Publicity of the APC, Mr. Femi Nuberu, neither confirmed nor denied Prof. Obasanjo’s membership. Instead, he emphasized that the party’s focus remains on the successful conduct of the ongoing registration exercise across the state.

Nuberu stated that the APC registration process is free and open to all Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above, in accordance with the party’s constitution. He explained that registration activities are handled at the ward level by designated officials responsible for managing and authenticating new memberships.

He added that the party has witnessed a significant influx of new members in Ogun State, describing it as a reflection of public confidence in the APC-led administrations at both the federal and state levels. According to him, the growing membership underscores approval of the policies and performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Political Context, Speculations, and Reactions

Prof. Obasanjo’s decision has surprised many political observers who had speculated that she might return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Such speculation intensified towards the end of last year when campaign-style billboards bearing her image appeared across Abeokuta, suggesting a possible return to active politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The billboards, inscribed with a message affirming her local roots and identity in Ogun State, fueled debate about her next political move. At the time, leaders of the ADC had publicly stated that the party was open to welcoming her, though they acknowledged that no formal discussions had taken place.

Analysts had also considered it unlikely that she would join the APC, particularly given former President Obasanjo’s open support for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate during the 2023 elections. However, a source close to Prof. Obasanjo said her decision reflects her independence and personal political judgment, separate from her father’s stance or public expectations.

Now an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Prof. Obasanjo has previously acknowledged awareness of the billboards, explaining that they were erected by supporters. She has also stated publicly that she is not actively campaigning for any political office, noting this during a recent interview in Ogun State.