Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections, just days after resigning from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Return to PDP
Obasanjo returned to the PDP on Monday, June 15, 2026, barely a week after leaving the APC. She was received with cheers by party members at the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The former Ogun Central Senator expressed confidence in the chances of the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, in the 2027 election.
Obasanjo's Statement
"I actually have a lot to say, there are many people that we shall call out, but I won't say anything now until you organise that official welcome back into the party," Obasanjo said.
"However, I want to greet our deputy governorship candidate. I am convinced that you will be our next deputy governor. I want to thank our incoming governor from 2027, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, because he has really tried to become the governor of the state for the first, second, and third times. But this time, God is saying that he will be our next governor now that I am joining the party."
Background
Professor Iyabo Obasanjo had earlier resigned from the APC, citing persistent disrespect and rejection within the party. She criticised the consensus process, claiming she was not consulted before Senator Adeola's nomination as the APC consensus candidate.
Despite her resignation, she expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Ogun APC leaders for their support.
Governorship Ambition
Recall that Obasanjo had declared her intention to contest the 2027 Ogun state governorship election on the APC platform. However, she later suspended her governorship ambition after Senator Solomon Adeola was endorsed as the APC's consensus candidate.
The epidemiologist and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo returned to active politics after about 15 years following sustained pressure from supporters. She ruled out a return to the Senate and confirmed the governorship as her only political ambition.
