In a bold political move that has sparked both excitement and debate, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has definitively ruled out a return to the Senate, setting her sights instead on the Ogun State governorship. This announcement, made during a recent interview on 103.7FM Eagle7 Sports, marks her re-entry into active partisan politics and her formal alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC). But here's where it gets controversial: Obasanjo’s decision to bypass the Senate entirely and aim directly for the governorship has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether this is a strategic leap or an overly ambitious gamble.
During the interview, Obasanjo was clear about her political trajectory. 'I’m not going back to the Senate,' she stated firmly. 'As the Americans would say, there’s no need. The only position I’ll return for is the governorship, and we’ve already begun that journey with full dedication.' This declaration comes after sustained pressure from a grassroots movement of supporters who have been advocating for her comeback for nearly two years. 'They approached me, saying, ‘We believe you’re the best candidate. We want you back,’' she explained, highlighting the organic nature of her political resurgence.
And this is the part most people miss: Obasanjo’s return to politics isn’t just about ambition—it’s about a perceived need for fresh leadership. She criticized her former party, stating, ‘I’m not even going back to the same party because I think that’s old and I don’t see the use of it,’ a statement that subtly introduces a controversial interpretation of the current political landscape. Her recent participation in the APC’s e-registration exercise, confirmed by allies like Hon. Biodun Ajayi, formalizes her shift to the ruling party, though the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has diplomatically wished her well.
Obasanjo’s political journey is no stranger to controversy. After serving as Ogun State Commissioner for Health and later as a senator from 2007 to 2011, she stepped away from frontline politics to pursue an academic career in the United States. Her return now, after a 15-year hiatus, raises questions about her preparedness for the governorship role. Is she the right candidate to lead Ogun State, or is this a case of political legacy overshadowing practical experience?
Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Does Iyabo Obasanjo’s direct leap from academic life to a governorship bid represent a bold vision for change, or is it a risky move that overlooks the value of incremental political experience? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this high-stakes political comeback.
