- Obasanjo-Bello recently took part in the APC e-registration exercise at Ibogun
- She described the ruling party as the political platform where she feels most at home
- the move marks her return to active politics after about 15 years
Former Ogun Central senator, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has officially declared her membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, confirming her return to partisan politics after years away.
Eko Hot Blog exclusive reports that she made this known on Saturday while speaking during a radio interview with Nigerian football icon, Segun Odegbami, on Eagle7 Sports FM 103.7, monitored in Abeokuta.
EDITOR’S PICK
- ADC Requests INEC to Postpone FCT Area Council Elections
- Tope Alabi Welcomes Grandchild
- CBN to Introduce New Policy to Regulate Debit Card Issuance, ATM Operations
The ex-lawmaker, who is the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, described the ruling party as the political platform where she feels most at home.
According to Obasanjo-Bello, her decision to re-enter politics was driven by persistent appeals from supporters who, she said, had been mobilising independently for nearly two years before approaching her directly.
She explained that returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which she previously contested elections, was not considered due to the party’s ongoing internal crises.
While the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was also explored, she noted that concerns about the party’s level of preparedness ruled it out.
The former senator added that many of those encouraging her political comeback are members of the APC, a factor that significantly influenced her choice. She said she undertook wide consultations before making the move.
“I believe the APC is my natural political home. I have no grudges against anyone in the party, and I feel comfortable with the people I have interacted with there,” she said, adding that her confidence in the decision is total.
Although the APC is yet to release an official statement on her defection, the move marks her return to active politics after about 15 years.
Her entry into the ruling party comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with growing speculation that she may contest the Ogun State governorship.
Reports indicate that Obasanjo-Bello recently took part in the APC e-registration exercise at Ibogun, Ward 11, in Ifo Local Government Area, formally validating her membership.
She represented Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011, having earlier served as commissioner for health under former governor Gbenga Daniel. She lost her second-term bid in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
After the defeat, she relocated to the United States, where she focused on academics and eventually attained the rank of professor.
FURTHER READING
