BREAKING: Former President Obasanjo’s Daughter Defects to APC Ahead of 2027

Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former Senator, who represented Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011, reportedly formalized her membership through the party’s online registration portal at Ibogun Ward 11, located in the Ifo Local Government Area.

Confirming the move on Wednesday, a close associate and current Commissioner with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Biodun Ajayi, noted that the process was successful.

According to Ajayi, the Professor completed the necessary steps to align with the party in her home ward.

This account was further supported by a former member of the House of Representatives from the same constituency, who confirmed that the registration took place as reported.

While the news came as a surprise, the Ogun State APC leadership has maintained a cautious stance. The party’s Director of Publicity, Mr. Femi Nuberu, declined to specifically confirm or deny the Senator’s registration.

Instead, he emphasized that the APC remains an inclusive platform.

“We wish to clarify that the APC registration process is free, open and accessible to every Nigerian citizen aged 18 years and above, in line with our party’s constitution,” Nuberu stated.

He added that the party’s current priority is the nationwide membership drive rather than the status of specific individuals.

Nuberu also noted that the recent surge in registration across the state is a testament to the public’s trust in the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Moreover, the move comes as a surprise to many, especially given the political history of the Obasanjo family.

Speculation regarding her return to active politics began late last year when campaign billboards appeared in Abeokuta.

These displays featured her image and the message: “In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Sen. (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.”

While the Professor, who currently teaches Public Health at the University of Maryland, previously told reporters she was not actively seeking office, she admitted that her former supporters had her permission to erect the signs as a gesture of appreciation for her past service.

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has a long history in Ogun State governance, having served as Commissioner for Health before her tenure in the Senate.

After losing her re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States to pursue her academic career.

Her return to the ruling party’s fold has now reignited talks of a potential run for the Ogun Central senatorial seat in the upcoming 2027 general elections.