Iyabo Obasanjo PDP: Former President’s Daughter Defects, Alleges Unfair Treatment in APC
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has joined the PDP in Ogun State after leaving the APC, alleging unfair treatment and exclusion from the process that produced the party’s governorship candidate.
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former senator formally announced her defection during a rally held at the Ogun State PDP Secretariat in Abeokuta, where she was officially welcomed into the opposition party.
Her defection comes after she participated as a governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Why Iyabo Obasanjo Left the APC
Addressing party members and supporters, Obasanjo-Bello said she decided to leave the APC because of what she described as unfair treatment and a lack of inclusiveness within the ruling party.
She specifically criticised the process that produced Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate.
According to her, she and other aspirants were deliberately sidelined during the consultation process.
Obasanjo-Bello maintained that she had no objection to a consensus arrangement provided it complied with the party’s constitution and involved all aspirants.
Iyabo Obasanjo Speaks on Tinubu and Her Return to Politics
The former senator disclosed that she initially joined the APC because President Bola Tinubu treated her with respect and dignity.
According to her, the decision to return to active politics was not motivated by financial interests but by a sense of honour and service.
She explained that community leaders and supporters encouraged her to return to politics because of her previous contributions as Commissioner for Health and as a senator representing Ogun State.
She added that consultations had already begun across parts of Ogun State before the party leadership suddenly convened a meeting that eventually altered the governorship selection process.
Former Senator Questions APC Consensus Process
Obasanjo-Bello argued that the APC’s consensus arrangement could not be considered credible because aspirants from Ogun Central and Ogun East were allegedly excluded from the consultations.
She said the process did not reflect fairness, inclusiveness or the principles contained in the party’s constitution.
The former senator insisted that her decision to leave the APC was based on principle rather than personal ambition.
Iyabo Obasanjo Declares for Ogun Central Senatorial Seat
The former senator also announced her intention to contest for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat under the platform of the PDP.
She expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections and pledged to work with the party’s leadership to secure victory across the state.
Obasanjo-Bello also argued that she and the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, are genuine indigenes of Ogun State.
PDP Welcomes Obasanjo’s Defection
Reacting to the development, PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu described Obasanjo-Bello’s defection as a major boost for the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Adebutu expressed confidence that the PDP would defeat the APC and promised to address what he described as governance shortcomings under the current administration.
Meanwhile, Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, formally presented the party’s membership card and insignia to Obasanjo-Bello as a symbol of her official admission into the PDP.
Why This Matters
The defection of Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello is one of the biggest political developments in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general election.
Political analysts believe the move could:
- reshape political alignments in Ogun State;
- strengthen the PDP’s campaign structure;
- intensify competition ahead of the governorship election;
- influence voting dynamics in Ogun Central and other parts of the state.
Quick Facts
Politician: Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello
Former Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
New Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
State: Ogun
Office Sought: Ogun Central Senatorial Seat
Election: 2027 General Election
Timeline of Events
2026: Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello returns to active politics.
2026: She contests as an APC governorship aspirant.
2026: APC adopts Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as its consensus candidate.
Tuesday: Obasanjo-Bello defects to the PDP in Abeokuta.
What Happens Next?
Attention will now shift to how the APC responds to the defection and whether the move can strengthen the PDP’s prospects in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers also expect increased political activities as parties intensify preparations for the governorship and legislative contests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello?
She is a former senator, former Ogun State Commissioner for Health and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Why did Iyabo Obasanjo leave the APC?
She cited unfair treatment, exclusion and lack of inclusiveness in the process that produced the APC’s governorship candidate.
Which party has Iyabo Obasanjo joined?
She has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
What office is she seeking?
She has declared her intention to contest for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat under the PDP platform.
